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The holiday season is a time for celebration, gathering with loved ones, and indulging in delicious treats. If you’re looking for a sweet addition to your festive table that’s both delightful and easy to make, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are just the thing. Imagine all the flavors of your favorite sugar cookies packed into a thick, soft bar topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles. Let’s dive into the magic of this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars capture the essence of classic sugar cookies with much less hassle. Forget about chilling dough, rolling it out, and cutting individual shapes. This recipe skips those steps, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday cheer. The bars are reminiscent of the beloved Lofthouse sugar cookies, but with the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Plus, the thick layer of frosting is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Bars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
- Holiday sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing the Recipe
Sugar Cookie Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease, or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and eggs.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Carefully beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture about 1/2 at a time.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, and with lightly greased hands, press it into the pan to form an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the bars completely, leaving them in the pan as they cool.
Frosting
- Beat the butter until soft, then mix in the cream cheese.
- Add in the salt and vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low speed, beat in the powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time until the desired sweetness and thickness is reached.
- Frost the cooled cookie bars, then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
Tips for Success
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting. Sifting the dry ingredients helps to create a light and tender texture in the bars. When spreading the batter in the pan, use a spatula or your fingers to ensure an even layer for consistent baking.
Additional Tips or Variations
You can add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting for a more festive look. Consider using different types of sprinkles or edible glitter to match your holiday theme. For a citrus twist, try adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 28g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the cookie bars? Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to two months.
What can I use instead of cream cheese? You can substitute with mascarpone cheese or leave it out for a simpler frosting.
Conclusion
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering, offering the traditional taste of sugar cookies with half the effort. We hope you try this recipe and love it as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative variations you come up with. Happy baking!
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