Sugar Cookie Christmas Bars Recipe To Try This Season

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by baking some delicious treats for our loved ones? Sugar cookie Christmas bars are a classic holiday dessert that combines the best of sugar cookies and bar cookies into one easy-to-make and deliciously festive treat.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves scouring the internet for new and exciting recipes to try out on our family and friends. And what's more festive than a sugar cookie Christmas bar? These bars are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and even just as a special treat for Santa on Christmas Eve.

But what makes sugar cookie Christmas bars so special? For one, they're incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, which require rolling out dough and cutting out intricate shapes, these bars can be made in just a few simple steps. Plus, they're perfect for feeding a crowd - just slice them up into bars and serve!

Benefits of Sugar Cookie Christmas Bars

So, why should you try making sugar cookie Christmas bars this season? Here are just a few benefits:

• Easy to make: As mentioned earlier, these bars are incredibly easy to make. Simply mix together a few ingredients, press the dough into a pan, and bake until golden brown.
• Perfect for crowds: Whether you're hosting a holiday party or attending a cookie exchange, these bars are perfect for feeding a crowd. Just slice them up into bars and serve!
• Customizable: One of the best things about sugar cookie Christmas bars is that you can customize them to fit your holiday style. Add in your favorite mix-ins, such as sprinkles, nuts, or dried cranberries, to make them truly special.
• Make ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Perfect for busy holiday schedules!

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, here's what you'll need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups mix-ins of your choice (such as sprinkles, nuts, or dried cranberries)
• Red and green frosting, for decorating (optional)

The Recipe

Now, onto the recipe!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 11x15-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in your mix-ins of choice.
7. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
10. Once cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper or foil to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
11. Cut into bars and decorate with red and green frosting, if desired.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind:

• Use a variety of mix-ins: Try using different combinations of mix-ins, such as sprinkles and nuts or dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
• Add a layer of frosting: Top your bars with a layer of red and green frosting for an extra-festive touch.
• Make them ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Use a different shape: Try using a different shape pan, such as a Christmas tree or snowflake-shaped pan, to make your bars truly special.

Common Questions

Here are a few common questions about sugar cookie Christmas bars:

• Can I use a different type of flour?: Yes, you can use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
• Can I make these bars without mix-ins?: Yes, you can make these bars without mix-ins, but they may be slightly less flavorful and festive.
• Can I freeze these bars?: Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

Conclusion

Sugar cookie Christmas bars are a delicious and easy-to-make holiday treat that's perfect for feeding a crowd. With their customizable mix-ins and easy-to-follow recipe, they're a great option for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and even just as a special treat for Santa on Christmas Eve. So why not give them a try this season?