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
Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery cookie bars studded with festive red and green sprinkles, these holiday cookie bars are a delightful treat perfect for Christmas parties or cookie exchanges. Easy to make and bursting with vanilla flavor, they can be topped with a creamy frosting for added sweetness.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in holiday sprinkles.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
- (Optional) For frosting, beat softened butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla extract and milk until a smooth consistency is reached.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and garnish with holiday sprinkles.
Notes
- To make the bars even more festive, use a mix of red and green sanding sugar or metallic holiday sprinkles.
- Frosting is optional but adds a rich, sweet layer to the bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American