If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings together buttery richness and a creamy sweetness, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting are exactly what you need. Unlike traditional cut-out cookies, these bars offer all the classic flavor and festive spirit in an easy, slice-and-serve format perfect for busy holiday moments. They are soft, tender, and topped with a fluffy vanilla frosting that melts in your mouth, making every bite a joyful celebration of the season.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor — from the rich butter that gives moisture and softness to the flour that creates that tender crumb, and of course, the vanilla extract that adds that warm, comforting aroma that screams holiday cheer.

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter is key for the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll love.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness without overpowering the buttery base.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder and brings richness to the dough.
1 tbsp vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to the cookie bars.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the bars soft and chewy.
½ tsp baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for just the right fluffiness.
¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors overall.

For the creamy vanilla frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of the luscious frosting, making it smooth and rich.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
1–2 tbsp milk: Adjustable to reach just the right creamy texture.
Festive Christmas sprinkles: Adds colorful holiday flair and a bit of crunch on top.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your cookie bars bake evenly and release effortlessly once cooled.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This process is crucial for that light, tender texture in your cookie bars.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth. These ingredients add richness and that unmistakable holiday vanilla scent we all love.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bars soft instead of dense.

Step 5: Press Dough into Pan and Bake

Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan using clean fingers or the back of a spoon. Smooth the surface to ensure even baking. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges just turn golden. Let the bars cool completely — cooling fully is key before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Vanilla Frosting

While the bars cool, beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk, whipping until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, a little at a time, if the frosting feels too thick. Spread this generous layer of creamy vanilla frosting all over the cooled bars.

Step 7: Add Sprinkles and Slice

Top off your frosted bars with a colorful sprinkle of festive Christmas sprinkles. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Now, your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting

Garnishes

While the sprinkles add an instant pop of color and crunch, consider adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for an extra layer of texture. A light dusting of edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate can also elevate these bars for holiday parties.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or a rich, creamy eggnog. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can also turn this treat into a comforting dessert experience after dinner gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming holiday display, place the bars on a festive serving platter lined with pine sprigs or holly leaves. Alternatively, wrap individual bars in clear cellophane and tie with bright red or green ribbons for delightful gifts your friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. Keeping the bars covered well ensures the frosting remains creamy and the bars don’t dry out.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars in advance, you can freeze them after baking but before frosting. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw completely, then spread the frosting and add sprinkles fresh.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended, especially with the frosting. However, if you prefer a slightly warm bar, gently microwave a piece for 5 to 8 seconds — just enough to soften, not melt, the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that is what you have on hand. Just reduce or omit any additional salt called for in the recipe to avoid over-salting your cookie bars.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

To tone down the sweetness, try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding a teaspoon of cream cheese to balance the flavor with a bit of tang.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

What if I don’t have festive sprinkles?

No worries! You can decorate with finely chopped nuts, grated white chocolate, or even crushed peppermint candies to keep the holiday spirit alive.

How thick should I spread the frosting?

A thick layer about ¼ inch provides the perfect balance of creamy frosting to tender cookie bar. Spread evenly for the best texture and bite each time.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly wonderful about whipping up a batch of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting. They capture the essence of holiday warmth and sweetness in every bite without the fuss of rolling and cutting out shapes. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a festive treat at home, these bars are sure to bring smiles and sweet moments all season long. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new holiday classic in your kitchen!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Frosting

Print Recipe

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These Christmas sugar cookie bars offer a soft, buttery texture topped with a creamy vanilla frosting and festive sprinkles, providing a quick and delightful holiday treat that’s easier than traditional cut-out cookies.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring a smooth and homogenous batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form the cookie dough.
Press Dough in Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared 8×8 pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula or your hands for an even layer.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until you achieve a smooth, creamy vanilla frosting. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your desired consistency.
Frost and Decorate: Spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle generously with festive Christmas sprinkles.
Slice and Serve: Once decorated, slice the bars into squares and serve as a delightful holiday treat.

Notes

Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
You can customize the sprinkles to match any holiday theme or occasion.
For a richer vanilla flavor, consider adding a pinch of vanilla bean powder or extra vanilla extract to the frosting.
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
These bars can be made a day ahead, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.