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Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Frosting

A close-up of a square sugar cookie bars slice topped with thick white frosting and colorful round sprinkles.
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Make these soft, chewy sugar cookie bars for a simple holiday treat. This recipe skips the rolling and cutting of traditional cookies, giving you classic flavor in a pan. They are topped with a simple vanilla frosting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • For the Frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Holiday sprinkles for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2 minutes.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  6. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is important for clean cuts.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  10. Spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
  11. Immediately decorate with holiday sprinkles before the frosting sets.
  12. Once the frosting is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For the chewiest bars, slightly underbake them by about one minute. They will set as they cool.
  • You can use this recipe as a base for other holidays by changing the sprinkle colors.
  • If you want a thicker bar, use a 9×9 inch pan instead, but adjust the baking time, checking around 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/easy-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/