Print

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Vanilla Buttercream

A close-up of a square portion of soft christmas sugar cookie bars topped with thick white frosting and red and green sprinkles.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make soft, buttery sugar cookie bars for the holidays. This recipe is less messy than cut-out cookies and features a simple vanilla buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 3/4 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 (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Festive sprinkles (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the 1 tablespoon 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.
  6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare the frosting: Beat the 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too thick.
  10. Spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
  11. Immediately decorate with festive sprinkles before the frosting sets.
  12. Once the frosting is set, cut the bars into squares.

Notes

  • You can make these bars one day ahead and store them, unfrosted, at room temperature. Frost them just before serving.
  • For a slightly tangier frosting, substitute 1 tablespoon of the milk with fresh lemon juice.
  • Press the dough into the pan firmly to ensure even baking.

Nutrition

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