Introduction
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive, easy-to-make twist on traditional sugar cookies. These delicious bars combine the same sweet, buttery flavor of sugar cookies but with a simpler method that requires less time and effort. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a treat for your own family to enjoy. Decorated with colorful sprinkles or frosting, these bars are sure to brighten up any holiday spread.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Sugar cookies have a long history, particularly in Western cultures, where they have become a classic holiday treat. The concept of sugar cookies dates back to the early 1700s, though they were made with simpler ingredients like sugar, flour, and butter. Over time, these cookies have evolved into a symbol of celebration, especially around Christmas. In many countries, it’s a tradition to bake and decorate sugar cookies as part of holiday festivities, and this tradition has been passed down for generations. Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a modern adaptation, offering the same flavors but in a more convenient, family-friendly form.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
For the Frosting (Optional):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Optional Additions:
• 1 tsp lemon zest for added flavor
• A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy holiday spice
• Red and green sanding sugar or colored sprinkles for decoration
• Chocolate chips or mini M&Ms for added texture and color
• A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for extra indulgence
Tips for Success
1. Use Room Temperature Butter: For smooth dough and easy spreading, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough.
3. Chill the Dough if Needed: If the dough is too soft and hard to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before spreading.
4. Uniform Thickness: Spread the dough evenly in the pan to ensure even baking. You can use a piece of parchment paper or a silicone spatula for smooth edges.
5. Let the Bars Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease the pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, forming a soft dough.
Step 2: Bake the Bars
1. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, adding more milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
3. If using food coloring, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add a few drops of your desired colors.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
1. Once the bars are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top.
2. Add sprinkles or other decorations if desired.
3. Slice into squares and serve!
Description
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with the signature sweet flavor of traditional sugar cookies. The buttery cookie base provides a perfect canvas for the creamy, smooth frosting that’s often decorated with sprinkles or festive touches. These bars are thick, so each bite feels indulgent, but they are still light and sweet enough to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Perfect for holiday parties, these bars offer all the fun of sugar cookies with the ease of a bar cookie.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1 bar)
• Calories: 180–220
• Protein: 2–3 g
• Fat: 8–10 g
• Carbohydrates: 28–32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 18–22 g
• Sodium: 60–80 mg
Conclusion and Recommendation
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy and festive way to bring holiday cheer to your table. With their soft texture and sweet frosting, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. These bars take the best qualities of sugar cookies—sweet, buttery, and perfectly festive—and make them easier to bake and serve in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re preparing for a party, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying a cozy holiday treat at home, these bars are a great addition to your holiday baking tradition.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful indulgence, you can lighten them up by using less frosting or choosing a lighter frosting option, such as a yogurt-based glaze. Additionally, using whole wheat flour or substituting some of the sugar with a natural sweetener can add a healthier twist without sacrificing too much of the sweetness. Remember, holiday treats can be enjoyed in moderation, and by making small changes, you can savor the flavors of the season in a more health-conscious way!