Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Looking for a sweet and easy holiday treat? Try these festive Christmas sugar cookie bars made with butter, sugar, and vanilla, a quick and homemade family favorite, save for later

Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to get into the spirit than with a classic dessert that’s easy to make, delicious, and visually stunning – the Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors, the use of everyday ingredients, and the creativity it allows for. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these sugar cookie bars are sure to impress your family and friends with their vibrant colors and delectable taste. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for such an impressive outcome.

Why This Works

  • Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla provides a classic cookie taste that everyone loves, and these ingredients are readily available in most kitchens.
  • Ease of preparation: Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require rolling and cutting, these bars are made by simply pressing the dough into a baking dish, making them a time-saving alternative.
  • Impressive results with minimal effort: The addition of festive colors, either through food dye in the dough or through the use of holiday-themed sprinkles on top, transforms these simple bars into a dazzling holiday treat.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for these Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars include 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup unsalted butter softened, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and festive sprinkles or food coloring for the holiday touch. For practical substitutions, you can use salted butter and omit the additional salt, or substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Step 3: If desired, add a few drops of holiday-themed food coloring to the dough to give it a festive color. Mix well to combine. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. If using sprinkles, sprinkle them on top of the dough now.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars and serving.

Handy Tips

  • Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you forget to take it out, you can soften it in the microwave in 10-second increments, checking until it’s ready.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough bars. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together.
  • For an extra crispy top, broil the bars for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking these bars is 350°F (180°C). The baking time will depend on your oven, but as a general rule, bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. If you prefer a chewier bar, bake for 23-25 minutes. For a firmer bar, bake for 30-32 minutes.

Crunch Factor

The Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars should have a soft and chewy center with a lightly crispy edge. To achieve this, avoid overbaking. If you prefer a crunchier bar, you can bake them for a few minutes longer, but be cautious not to overdo it, as they can quickly become too hard.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

  • To ensure the bars cut cleanly, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and cut in a smooth, even motion.
  • For easier removal from the pan, make sure to leave enough parchment paper or foil overhang and spray the pan with cooking spray before adding the parchment paper.
  • Consider making these bars in advance and freezing them. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.

Storage Tips

  • Store the Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze the bars. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
  • When storing, it’s best to keep the bars away from strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors easily.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These bars are perfect for gifting during the holiday season. Consider packaging them in decorative tins, jars, or gift boxes. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a holiday-themed bag or container. You can also add a personal touch with a ribbon or a gift tag. For a more rustic look, place the bars in a mason jar and tie a ribbon around the lid.

Flavor Variations

  • 🌟 Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie flavor.
  • 🌟 Creative toppings: Instead of sprinkles, try using chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even candy pieces like M&M’s or chocolate chips on top of the bars before baking.
  • 🌟 Ingredient swaps: Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile, or substitute some of the all-purpose flour with oat flour for a slightly denser bar.

Troubleshooting

  • Texture problems: If your bars turn out too hard, they were likely overbaked. If they’re too soft, they might have been underbaked. Adjust the baking time accordingly for your next batch.
  • Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a particular ingredient, consider substitutions. For example, you can use baking powder as a substitute for baking soda in some recipes, though this may affect the flavor and texture.
  • Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your bars while they’re baking. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover the pan with foil to prevent overbrowning.

FAQs

  • Can I freeze it? Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
  • Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours as a substitute, though this may affect the texture and flavor of the bars.
  • Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the baking time slightly. A doubled recipe might require an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven, depending on your oven’s performance.

Conclusion

With their vibrant colors, delicious taste, and ease of preparation, the Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or just a sweet treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the recipe, trying out different flavors and toppings to make it your own. Happy baking, and from our kitchen to yours, warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season!

Leave a Comment