Soft, buttery cookie bars loaded with festive sprinkles and a hint of vanilla, perfect for the holiday season. These colorful and easy-to-make bars are a crowd-pleaser, great for cookie exchanges or holiday parties.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1/2 cup red and green sprinkles (or holiday-colored sprinkles)
For frosting (optional):
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Holiday sprinkles for garnish
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the holiday sprinkles.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
For the frosting (optional), beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until a smooth frosting forms.
Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and garnish with holiday sprinkles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 24 bars