Description
Delight in the festive flavors of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring a tender, buttery cookie base studded with red and green sprinkles, topped with creamy, smooth frosting and garnished with Oreo cookies and Christmas M&Ms. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars blend classic sugar cookie taste with a fun, colorful twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (almond extract optional)
- 1/2 cup colored sprinkles, red and green
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered or icing sugar
- Pinch sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
Toppings
- 1 dozen Oreo cookies
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, then grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Measure out all your ingredients to have them ready.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly blended.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs: Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them.
- Mix in Extract: Add the vanilla extract (or almond extract if using) and blend until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two additions, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender bars.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles, incorporating them evenly without breaking them down.
- Spread Batter: Spread the cookie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface as much as possible.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the top is starting to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bars: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: While the bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl or stand mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar in half-cup increments, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
- Add Toppings: Decorate the frosted bars with Oreo cookies and Christmas M&Ms to add flavor and festive flair.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store in a covered container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Alternate Frosting Method: As the bars cool, whip softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Stir in sea salt, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Spread this frosting over the cooled bars for a slightly different taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a nuttier flavor.
- Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal of bars from the pan.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- Gently fold sprinkles to prevent color bleeding in the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
