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Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

A close-up view of a square piece of christmas sugar cookie bars topped with thick white frosting and red and green holiday sprinkles.
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Make these soft, buttery Christmas sugar cookie bars for a simple, festive holiday treat. They offer all the flavor of traditional cut-out cookies without the fuss, topped with creamy vanilla buttercream and festive sprinkles.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • Festive Christmas sprinkles (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important before frosting.
  9. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  10. Spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
  11. Immediately decorate the top with your favorite festive Christmas sprinkles.
  12. Once the frosting is set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares for serving.

Notes

  • For a slightly tangier frosting, substitute 2 tablespoons of the milk with cream cheese.
  • You can make these bars ahead of time and store them, unfrosted, at room temperature for up to two days. Frost them just before serving.
  • If you want a thicker cookie bar, use a 9×9 inch pan instead, but adjust the baking time, checking around 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/christmas-sugar-cookie-bars/