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–+ servings
Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

The Crispy Chef
Soft, chewy, and topped with creamy frosting and sprinkles, these Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive twist on classic sugar cookies — without the rolling and cutting. Perfect for parties, gifting, and celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 bars
Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 pinch salt (for frosting)
  • food coloring (optional)
  • holiday sprinkles for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 16–20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Cool completely before frosting.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, alternating with cream or milk. Beat until fluffy. Stir in vanilla and salt. Add food coloring if desired.
  • Spread frosting over cooled bars. Add sprinkles while frosting is soft. Chill 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Chill before slicing for clean cuts. Customize the frosting color for different holidays. Bars freeze well without frosting. Add almond extract for a classic bakery touch or swap it for peppermint or lemon for a twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 25mgSugar: 26gVitamin A: 410IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.9mg
Keyword Christmas cookie, easy cookie bars, holiday dessert, sugar cookie bars
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