Baking Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with the kids is like unleashing a whirlwind of flour, laughter, and joy in your kitchen. As the sweet aroma wafts through the air, you’ll find yourself transported to a winter wonderland where everything is merry and bright. delicious chicken enchilada casserole wow your guests with chicken These bars aren’t just cookies; they’re a festive tradition waiting to happen.
Imagine gathering around the kitchen counter, rolling dough, and decorating with colorful sprinkles while your favorite holiday tunes play in the background. The anticipation builds as you wait for these delicious treats to come out of the oven, promising an explosion of sweet flavors that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. For more inspiration, check out this Sweet Potato Au Gratin recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These easy-to-make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars come together quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Their delightful sweetness and soft texture are sure to please everyone
- The vibrant colors from icing and sprinkles make them visually stunning on any holiday dessert table
- Enjoy them fresh from the oven or save some for later; they stay delicious for days!
The time my kids helped me bake these bars last Christmas was unforgettable. Their giggles filled the room as we made a floury mess together.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture; it gives the bars that perfect chewy consistency.
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Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Baking Powder: A must-have for that delightful rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results. a delightful peanut chicken recipe. quick ranch chicken dinner.
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Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances all flavors beautifully.
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Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key here; it creates a rich, buttery flavor that you’ll love.
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Eggs: Use large eggs for binding; they help create that soft texture you want in cookie bars.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; skip imitation if you can for better taste.
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Sprinkles or Icing: Get creative with toppings! Add festive colors that scream holiday cheer.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your batter.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and light. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks fluffy and smells divine!
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined—this step adds richness to your cookie bars.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients : Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix—just until you see no more flour streaks.
Spread into Baking Dish : Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so every corner gets that deliciousness baked in.
Bake & Cool : Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool completely before slicing into bars—if you can resist that long!
With each bite of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, you’re not just enjoying a treat—you’re creating memories that will last long after the last crumb is gone! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Baking Christmas sugar cookie bars with kids is a delightful way to bond
- The kitchen fills with sweet aromas, and the laughter of children mixes with holiday spirit
- These bars freeze well, making them perfect for sharing or saving for later indulgence
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while mixing the dough to save time. Once mixed, spread it evenly in a prepared pan. Bake until golden for that perfect chewy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique twist. You can also add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to personalize each batch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, freeze them and reheat in the microwave briefly before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother dough consistency
- Don’t overmix; this keeps the bars soft and chewy
- Let them cool completely before cutting for clean edges and easy serving
Baking these sugar cookie bars always brings back memories of my kids’ flour-covered faces and joyous giggles. Each bite reminds me of those carefree moments filled with love and laughter.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free flour for Christmas sugar cookie bars you can bake with the kids?
For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Cranberry Stuffing Balls recipe.
Yes, gluten-free flour can be substituted cup-for-cup in this recipe.
How do I know when my cookie bars are done baking?
Look for a light golden color around the edges and slightly soft centers.
Can I decorate these cookie bars after baking?
Absolutely! Adding frosting or sprinkles makes them even more festive and fun.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Baking Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with your kids is a joyful holiday tradition that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and laughter. These soft, chewy bars are easy to make and perfect for festive gatherings, offering a delightful canvas for colorful icing and sprinkles. Not only do they taste incredible right out of the oven, but they also store well for later enjoyment. Create lasting memories this holiday season by whipping up this simple and delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkles or icing (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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