Go Back
Adam

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft, Frosted & Full of Holiday Cheer

If you love soft, buttery sugar cookies but don’t have time to roll, cut, and bake dozens of shapes, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate shortcut to holiday bliss. Baked in a single pan, these bars are thick, chewy, and rich, topped with creamy frosting and cheerful sprinkles that sparkle like Christmas lights. Every bite delivers that classic sugar cookie flavor — buttery vanilla sweetness with a hint of almond — in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like pure holiday joy. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, wrapping treats for friends, or preparing dessert for a Christmas party, these cookie bars are festive, easy, and crowd-pleasing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Cooling & frosting time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 24 cookie bars
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh Products
  • 2 Large eggs
  • Dry & Flavoring Ingredients
  • 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 2 tsp Cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup White sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Almond extract
  • 2 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup Holiday sprinkles plus extra for topping
Dairy
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 6 oz Cream cheese softened
Frosting
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 –2 tbsp Milk as needed for spreading consistency

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

    View ↗
  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

    View ↗
  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

    View ↗

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • To make these sugar cookie bars, you’ll need:
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula or knife (for frosting)

Method
 

step1:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
step2:
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
step3:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and white sugar until light and fluffy — about 2 minutes.
step4:
  1. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
step5:
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently.
step6:
  1. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula. Smooth the top for an even bake.
step7:
  1. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Do not overbake — the bars should stay soft and chewy.
step8:
  1. Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
step9:
  1. To make the frosting, beat the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk together until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
step10:
  1. Spread frosting over the cooled bars, sprinkle generously with holiday sprinkles, and cut into squares.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 3 months — layer between parchment sheets.
To serve from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature.
🥄 Variations
Valentine’s Bars: Swap holiday sprinkles for pink and red ones, and tint the frosting light pink.
Lemon Twist: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the dough and frosting for a fresh citrus flavor.
Chocolate Frosting: Replace half of the powdered sugar with cocoa powder for a rich cocoa topping.
Peppermint Crunch: Add crushed peppermint candies on top of the frosting for a festive crunch.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 tsp.
2. Can I skip the almond extract?
Sure — it’s optional, but it adds that signature bakery flavor.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake a day ahead and frost before serving.
4. How do I know they’re done baking?
The edges will be light golden, and the center will look slightly soft but set.
5. Can I use a smaller pan?
Yes, but baking time will increase — check after 30 minutes.
6. Why is cornstarch added?
Cornstarch gives the bars a soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
7. What’s the best way to frost evenly?
Use an offset spatula while the bars are completely cool.
8. Can I add food coloring to the frosting?
Absolutely! Red, green, or white frosting looks festive for Christmas.
9. Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade cream cheese frosting tastes richer and fresher.
10. How do I store them after frosting?
Keep in a single layer or separate with parchment so the frosting doesn’t smudge.
🏁 Conclusion
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat — soft, buttery, and sweet, bursting with festive sprinkles and smooth frosting. They deliver all the joy of classic sugar cookies without the rolling, cutting, or chilling.
With their tender crumb and creamy topping, these bars are a guaranteed hit at cookie swaps, parties, or cozy family gatherings. A taste of Christmas magic in every bite!