Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The crispness of the winter air, festive decorations twinkling in the dark, and the incredible aromas wafting from the kitchen as families come together to create memories. Among those cherished family traditions, nothing quite captures the essence of Christmas like the indulgent warmth of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. These delightful treats offer all the comforting flavors of classic sugar cookies, but with an effortless twist that makes them perfect for baking marathons, holiday parties, or cozy evenings at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are not only a treat for the taste buds; they embody the spirit of togetherness that the holidays bring. Here’s why they will become your go-to festive favorite:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, these bars are a perfect solution for unexpected holiday guests or last-minute baking projects.
• Shareable and Fun: Easy to cut into squares, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing everyone closer around the dessert table.
• Customizable: This basic recipe allows for endless personal twists, from sprinkles to chocolate chips, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste.
• Nostalgic Appeal: Each bite evokes memories of baking with loved ones, making the experience not just about the cookie, but the bonds created.
• Festively Beautiful: Topped with colorful frosting and decorations, these bars will charm their way into every holiday celebration.

Ingredients with Notes

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundational base for your bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: For that perfect rise.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A touch of seasoning enhances the sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This lends richness and depth.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is key here!
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The magical aromatic touch.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract: Optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• Frosting: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade buttercream for that festive finish.
• Sprinkles: A vibrant touch that screams holiday cheer!

Substitution Suggestions: You can replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, or swap in whole wheat flour for a healthier twist!

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Trust me, the quick turnaround means more time spent enjoying these bars with family and friends, making them the perfect indulgent treat during busy festivities.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s bring these joyous bars to life. Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring easy removal after baking.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This mixture will be the backbone of your bars.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth—about 2-3 minutes. This is where your kitchen begins to smell like a dream!
4. Add in the egg and both extracts, mixing until fully combined. You’ll notice a lovely, rich aroma wafting through your space now.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it!
6. Spread the dough evenly in your prepared baking dish and smooth out with a spatula or your hands.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden. The center should be slightly soft but will firm up as it cools. This is when the entire house starts to feel oh-so-cozy!
8. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
9. Spread the frosting generously across the top and sprinkle with festive decorations, letting your creativity shine.

Tips and Variations

• Healthier Options: Swap half of the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or use a natural sweetener to cut calories.
• Flavor Twists: Add in holiday spices like nutmeg or cinnamon, stirring them into the dry ingredients for a delightful aromatics.
• Decor: Toasted nuts or dried fruits can add an interesting texture and flavor profile.
• Fruity Treat: For a more festive touch, fold in mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the batter before baking.

Serving Ideas

Picture this: you’ve just pulled your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars from the oven, the tantalizing scents lingering in the air. They’re perfect for a cozy coffee catch-up, robust holiday gatherings, or as a sweet surprise for the kids after school. Pair them with a steaming cup of cocoa or a splash of eggnog for that ultimate cozy vibe. These bars are a wonderful addition to cookie platters at parties or simply enjoyed during family game nights, where laughter and love fill the room.

Storage and Reheating

If there are any leftovers (which I doubt!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bars, placing parchment paper between layers. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the frosting and bring back their delightful charm.

Chef’s Pro Tips

1. Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense bars.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
3. Don’t Overbake: Watch for the golden edges; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
4. Add Magic with Sprinkles: For extra fun, let kids decorate the top—creating a special family tradition.
5. Freshness: These bars taste best when made fresh but can be revived by softening leftovers.

FAQs

• Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well for these bars.
• What can I use instead of butter? Coconut oil, ghee, or margarine can be great substitutes.
• How do I store leftovers? Place them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer freshness.
• Can these be made ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake them in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve them.

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Conclusion

As you gather your loved ones this holiday season, I hope you’ll embrace the warmth and richness of making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars together. This recipe not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also weaves an emotional tapestry of togetherness and love. So roll up your sleeves, sprinkle on the joy, and let these bars bring a bit of festive magic to your celebrations. Your family will be grateful, and you’ll create sweet memories that last a lifetime. Happy baking!

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