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Easy Soft Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

A close-up of a thick, frosted square of christmas sugar cookie bars topped with red, green, and white sprinkles.
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Make these soft, buttery Christmas sugar cookie bars for a simple holiday dessert. They offer the classic flavor of cut-out cookies without the fuss of decorating individual shapes, topped with a rich vanilla buttercream and festive sprinkles.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for frosting)
  • Assorted Christmas 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 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of 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 1/2 cup of 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 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial for a clean frosting layer.
  9. Prepare the vanilla buttercream frosting: Beat the 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the 2 tablespoons of milk/cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using). Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  10. Spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
  11. Immediately decorate the top with your assorted Christmas sprinkles.
  12. Once the frosting is set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares for serving.

Notes

  • For the softest texture, avoid overbaking the bars; they should still look slightly pale when removed from the oven.
  • You can make these bars a day ahead; store them covered tightly at room temperature.
  • Use high-quality vanilla extract to maximize the classic sugar cookie flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/christmas-sugar-cookie-bars/