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Easy Frosted Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

A close-up of a single serving of christmas sugar cookie bars topped with white frosting and red and green sprinkles.
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Make classic holiday flavor without the fuss. These soft, buttery sugar cookie bars bake in one pan and are topped with simple vanilla buttercream and festive sprinkles, making them a perfect, low-stress dessert for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • Holiday sprinkles, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important before frosting.
  9. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the 1/2 cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until combined. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk or cream until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency for your vanilla buttercream topping.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
  11. Immediately decorate with your favorite holiday sprinkles.
  12. Once the frosting is set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares for serving at your holiday party food event.

Notes

  • For the best soft texture, do not overbake the bars. They should still look slightly pale when removed from the oven.
  • You can make these cut out cookie alternative bars a day ahead and store them, unfrosted, at room temperature. Frost them the day you plan to serve them.
  • If you prefer a thinner glaze over thick frosting, mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 3-4 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a simple glazed cookie bars finish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummagnet.com/christmas-sugar-cookie-bars/