Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy way to enjoy classic sugar cookie flavor in a convenient bar form. The dough is scented with vanilla and almond extracts, and the buttercream frosting is rich and irresistible.
These festive bars are buttery, tender, and studded with holiday sprinkles for a cheerful presentation. The almond extract adds a lovely, nutty note that pairs perfectly with vanilla and a sweet buttercream. They’re quick to make and ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cookie exchanges.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These bars are simple to prepare. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13″ baking dish (or line it with parchment). In a large bowl, beat room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and combined, about 1 minute. Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla, mixing until incorporated. Stir in baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and flour until just combined, then fold in the sprinkles. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 16–18 minutes. The top will be just golden; avoid overbaking to keep the bars tender. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
For the buttercream, beat softened butter with almond extract until smooth. Add powdered sugar in increments, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating until each addition is fully incorporated. Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars with an offset spatula or knife, then top with additional sprinkles. Slice into squares and serve.
Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerate in an airtight container for longer storage.
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Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoon heavy cream plus 1–2 tbsp more if needed
- additional Christmas sprinkles for topping
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
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In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until combined, about 1 minute.
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Add eggs, almond extract, and vanilla; beat until combined.
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Stir in baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and flour until just combined. Fold in sprinkles.
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Spread batter in prepared dish and bake 16–18 minutes. The top will be slightly golden; do not overbake.
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Cool completely before frosting.
Buttercream
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Beat butter and almond extract until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar ½ cup at a time, mixing until incorporated.
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Add heavy cream and beat to reach desired consistency.
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Spread over cooled bars and top with sprinkles.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 54g
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Protein: 3g