Okay, friends, let’s talk Christmas. Or, more accurately, let’s talk about the *best* way to deliver Christmas cheer in a single bite. These Christmas Cookie Bars? They’re like those ridiculously festive sugar cookies everyone loves, but without all the fussy rolling and cutting. Honestly, who has time for that when the holiday season is in full swing? Think of them as the super-easy, just-as-delicious cousin of those iconic cookies. I always end up making these when I need something quick and crowd-pleasing, and they’re always a massive hit. The soft, chewy base loaded with sprinkles…it’s pure Christmas magic.

What are Christmas cookie bars?

Christmas Cookie Bars are essentially a thick, chewy cookie dough that’s baked in the oven and then topped with Whipped Cream. They’re delicious! Can be sliced into bars. Think of them as a blondie, but way more festive and fun. What are the best parts of a Christmas sugar cookie? What are the mountains of sprinkles in this easy-to-make dessert? What is Christmas in bar form? What is the perfect treat to bring to a holiday party, potluck, or just to have around the house for the holidays? What are some festive snacks? What’s not to love about Christmas cookies?

Why do you like this recipe?

Alright, let me tell you why I am completely, utterly obsessed with these Christmas Cookie Bars. First and foremost, the flavor is insane. It’s that classic buttery, vanilla-y sugar cookie taste, but elevated. The texture is also spot on – soft, chewy, and slightly gooey. Basically, everything you want in a cookie bar.

But the real magic lies in the simplicity. This recipe is SO easy, it’s almost embarrassing. You don’t need any fancy equipment or expert baking skills. Just a bowl, a pan, and a few basic ingredients. Seriously, anyone can make these, even if you’re a complete novice in the kitchen. And trust me, I’ve had some kitchen disasters in my day, so I know what I’m talking about.

Plus, these are seriously budget-friendly. The ingredients are things you probably already have in your pantry, so you won’t have to break the bank to make a batch. And what I love most is the versatility. You can customize these bars with your favorite sprinkles, candies, or even chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless! Think of these bars like a blank canvas for your Christmas creativity. If you’re looking for something similar, maybe you’ll like my Brown Butter Blondies, but honestly, this recipe takes the crown for the holidays. Seriously, my kids practically demand I make them every year. They’re that good!

How do you make Christmas cookie bars?

Quick Overview

Making these Christmas Cookie Bars is incredibly simple. You’ll start by creaming together the butter and sugar, then adding in the eggs and vanilla. Next, you’ll gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Then, you’ll fold in the sprinkles and press the dough into a pan. Bake until golden brown and let cool completely before glazing and slicing. See? I told you it was easy! The best part? The whole process takes less than an hour, from start to finish. Perfect when you need a last-minute treat for a party, or, you know, just because.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s *actually* soft, not melted! It makes a huge difference.
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. Don’t skimp! It’s what makes them perfectly sweet.
* 2 large eggs. Use room temperature eggs if you can, they mix in better.
* 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla extract is best, the imitation stuff just doesn’t cut it.
* 3 cups all-purpose flour. Spoon and level it for accuracy.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder. Make sure it’s fresh!
* 1/2 teaspoon salt. Balances out the sweetness, don’t skip it!
* 1 cup Christmas sprinkles. The more, the merrier! I like to use a mix of shapes and colors.

For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar. Sift it for a smoother glaze, I always do this. * 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness). Add more or less to reach desired consistency. * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Again, pure vanilla is the way to go. * Extra Christmas sprinkles for topping. Why not?

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Is it possible to line a paper bag with parchment paper? This makes it super easy to lift the bars out later. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you make sure everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t get any pockets of baking? What powder should I put in my bars?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to make a quick meal with an electric mixer? Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined!

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the Christmas sprinkles. Fold in the chocolate. Where does magic happen?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

Is there any filling for this recipe?

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Is there any filling for this recipe?

Step 7: Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist spots. Is there a What are the best ways to keep an eye on the edges of an oven, every oven is different?

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important! If you frost them while they’re still warm, the glaze will melt and run. Once cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. Pour the glaze over the cooled bars and spread evenly. Sprinkle with extra Christmas sprinkles.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Let the glaze set completely before slicing into bars. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Serve and enjoy! What are some good healthy snacks to eat the next day?

What should I serve it with?

Christmas Cookie Bars are pretty amazing on their own, but if you’re looking to take things to the next level, these are the ones to try. What are some of the best serving suggestions.For Breakfast:What’s a good start to the day? I like to crumble them over yogurt for a sweet treat.For Brunch:Serve them alongside a fruit platter and mimosa bar for scrumptious brunch spread. What are the best things to put on a platter?As Dessert:Offer them as part of a holiday dessert buffet, along with other Christmas favorites like cookies and candy. Gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark. I always have a huge dessert buffet to make sure everyone can find something they like.For Cozy Snacks:What are some of the best ways to enjoy Hot Cocoa by the fireplace on a cold winter night? What is my favorite way to enjoy them? My family always has these with a glass of eggnog, which is amazing. What are some of the best ways to serve these Christmas cookie bars?

How do I make a perfect Christmas cookie bar?

I’ve made these cookie bars over the years, and I have learned a few things from them. How do I perfect my bar?Butter Softness: HowMake sure your butter is softened, not melted. Softened butter will cream properly with the sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier batter. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly. If it’s too melted, your bars will be greasy.Mixing Advice:Be careful not to overmix the batter. If you overmix the flour, you will get tough bars. Mix until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay.Sprinkle Variety: What areWhat are some fun sprinkles to use for a festive look? I like to use a combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. The more sprinkles, the merrier!Ingredient Swaps:Can you substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe? Is there a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum? Can you use dairy-free butter and milk to make vegan bars?Baking Tips:Don’t overbake your bars! They will be dry and crumbly. Is it safe to bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with crumbs attached? Should the edges be golden brown?Glaze ConsistencyAdd more milk to the glaze if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar to make it thicker. You want a glaze that’s pourable but not too runny. It should coat the bars evenly.Glaze Timing: Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting. If you frost them while they’re still warm, the glaze will melt and run.
Texture:Don’t be afraid to add sprinkles to your food! I always do. What are some of the Best Tips and tricks I have learned over the years? How can I make Christmas cookie bars?

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Christmas Cookie Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how:

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They may become a little firmer in the refrigerator, but they’ll still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bars for more than a day, it’s best to wait to glaze them until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My go-to Christmas Cookie Bar recipe that always brings a smile to everyone’s face. Honestly, these bars are more than just a dessert – they’re a little slice of Christmas magic. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing (or not!). If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive treat to bake this holiday season, look no further. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday desserts for more festive inspiration! I really hope you love these as much as my family does. Happy baking, and can’t wait to see your version of these Christmas Cookie Bars!