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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These festive cookie bars feature a soft sugar cookie base topped with fluffy vanilla frosting and festive sprinkles, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 24 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookie base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Can substitute with salted butter but reduce added salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar For classic sweetness
  • 1 large egg Helps bind the ingredients
  • 1 large egg yolk Makes the bars extra tender
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Can replace with extra vanilla if desired
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level to avoid packing
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder To help the bars rise
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt Balances the sweetness
For the frosting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For sweetness and texture
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Flavoring for the frosting
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk To achieve desired consistency
  • 1 pinch salt Balances sweetness in frosting
  • as needed gel food coloring Optional for tinting the frosting
  • as needed sprinkles For decorating the bars

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9x13 metal pan with parchment paper, leaving flaps on the long sides.
  3. Mist the lined pan with nonstick spray if desired.
  4. Let the butter and eggs come to room temperature.
Mix the dough
  1. Cream the unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture on low speed until just combined.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using clean fingertips or the bottom of a measuring cup.
Bake and cool
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the edges are pale golden and the center looks set but soft.
  2. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the frosting and decorate
  1. Beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, mixing well.
  3. Add milk gradually to achieve a fluffy, spreadable texture.
  4. Incorporate gel food coloring as desired.
  5. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars with an offset spatula and top with sprinkles.
  6. Chill for 10 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

For clean cuts, chill the frosted bars for 15-20 minutes and wipe the knife between cuts. Store in an airtight container.