Nothing says holiday baking like the smell of vanilla and butter wafting through the kitchen! These soft, frosted Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars have been my go-to Christmas treat for years—ever since my neighbor Mrs. Wilson shared her secret recipe with me when I was just learning to bake. The moment I took my first bite of that tender, buttery bar topped with fluffy frosting and festive sprinkles, I knew I’d found a forever favorite. Now I make them every December, and trust me, they disappear faster than Santa’s cookies on Christmas Eve!

Why You’ll Love These Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

These aren’t just any cookie bars—they’re little squares of holiday magic! Here’s why they’ve become my must-make treat every December:

Softer than snow: The secret extra egg yolk makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender
Faster than decorating sugar cookies: No rolling pins or cookie cutters needed!
Festive fun: That fluffy frosting becomes your edible canvas for colorful sprinkles
Crowd-pleasing: Kids adore them, and adults sneak seconds when they think no one’s looking
Kitchen-tested: I’ve baked these dozens of times—they never fail to bring smiles

Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for them to cool before frosting!

The Perfect Pantry Staples for Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

What I love about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are – you probably have most in your kitchen right now! But trust me, these aren’t your average cookie bars. The magic happens when you combine these pantry basics just right. Let’s break it down:

For the Cookie Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Cold butter? No way! Let it sit out until your finger leaves a gentle dent (about 30 minutes usually does it)
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar – Not packed! Just spoon it lightly into your measuring cup
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk – That extra yolk is my secret for extra tender bars
2 tsp vanilla extract – The good stuff, please! Imitation vanilla just won’t give the same cozy flavor
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but recommended) – This tiny bit makes the flavor sing! Leave it out if you must, but you’ll miss that holiday bakery aroma

For the Fluffy Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Same deal as the dough butter – soft but not melted
2 cups powdered sugar – Sift if yours is lumpy for silky smooth frosting
1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk – Start with 1 tbsp and add more as needed
1 tsp vanilla extract – Yes, more vanilla! It balances the sweetness
Pinch of salt – Just a tiny pinch cuts through the sweetness perfectly
Festive sprinkles – Go wild with red, green, white, or whatever makes you happy!

The Bare Essentials You’ll Need

Here’s the beautiful part – you don’t need fancy equipment to make these holiday wonders! Just grab:

A trusty large mixing bowl (I use my grandma’s old yellow one)
A hand mixer or strong arm with a wooden spoon
One 9×13 baking pan – metal gives crispier edges if you like that
A rubber spatula for scraping every last bit of that delicious dough

That’s it! No special tools required – just good old-fashioned baking basics.

How to Make Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

Okay, let’s get baking! I promise these come together easier than untangling Christmas lights. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the most delicious holiday treats ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First things first – grab that softened butter and sugar. Toss them into your mixing bowl and beat them until they look like fluffy clouds. Seriously, don’t rush this part! About 2-3 minutes with a mixer should do it – you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture turns pale and creamy.

Now add your egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and that magical almond extract if you’re using it. Mix just until combined – no need to overdo it here. In another bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this to your butter mixture, stirring gently. The dough will be thick – that’s perfect! Overmixing makes tough bars, and we want melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

Here’s my trick: lightly grease your pan, then press the dough evenly across the bottom. I use slightly damp fingers to prevent sticking – works like a charm! Get it nice and even so every bar bakes uniformly.

Pop it into your preheated 350°F oven and set your timer for 18 minutes. Peek at them then – they should be just starting to turn golden at the edges. Give them another 2-4 minutes if needed, but don’t overbake! We want them soft, not crunchy. They’ll continue setting as they cool.

Step 3: Frost and Decorate

Patience, my friend! Let those bars cool completely before frosting – about an hour should do it. Meanwhile, whip up that dreamy frosting: beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough cream to make it spreadable.

When your bars are cool, spread the frosting thickly across the top. Now the fun part – sprinkles! Toss them on immediately so they stick before the frosting sets. I like to use holiday colors, but honestly, any sprinkles make these festive. Slice into squares and watch them disappear!

Tips for Perfect Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

After making these bars more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee perfect results every time. Here are my hard-earned baking secrets:

Butter temperature is everything: Too cold and it won’t cream properly, too warm and your bars will spread. It should yield slightly when pressed – like the texture of softened ice cream
Cool completely before frosting: I know it’s tempting, but warm bars make the frosting melt into a goopy mess. I usually clean up while waiting (okay, who am I kidding – I taste-test the edges!)
Frosting consistency matters: It should be thick enough to hold sprinkles but thin enough to spread easily. Add cream 1 teaspoon at a time until it’s just right
Sprinkle immediately: The frosting forms a slight crust fast – toss those sprinkles on within 2 minutes for perfect adherence
Sharp knife for clean cuts: Wipe the blade between slices for picture-perfect bars that’ll impress everyone

Follow these tips, and your cookie bars will be the star of every holiday gathering!

Variations & Serving Ideas

Oh, the fun you can have with these bars! For a peppermint twist, swap the almond extract for 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes. Want to get fancy? Use cookie cutters to make holiday shapes from the cooled bars before frosting. I love drizzling melted chocolate over the frosting for extra pizzazz – white chocolate looks especially festive!

These bars pair perfectly with cold milk for the kids or a steaming mug of cocoa for adults. For parties, cut them into tiny squares – they disappear before you can say “Merry Christmas!”

Keeping Your Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars Fresh

Here’s the good news – these bars stay delicious for days! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (if they last that long!). Want to freeze them? Do it before frosting – just wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic, then foil. They’ll keep beautifully for 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter when you’re ready to frost and serve!

Nutritional Information

Each festive bar contains about 220 calories – just enough holiday cheer! Remember, these estimates vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. Everything in moderation, but hey, it’s Christmas – enjoy that extra sprinkle or two!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these holiday sugar cookie bars?
Absolutely! These freeze beautifully – just wait until they’re completely cooled and skip the frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and they’ll stay perfect for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight on the counter, then frost and decorate fresh.

What can I use instead of almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t your thing, no worries! You can double the vanilla extract instead, or try 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist. My neighbor sometimes uses orange extract – it gives the bars a lovely citrusy holiday flavor.

Why are my cookie bars too crumbly?
Oh no! This usually happens if the dough gets overmixed or the bars bake too long. Next time, mix just until the flour disappears, and pull them from the oven when the edges are barely golden. That extra egg yolk should keep them nice and tender!

Can I make these ahead for Christmas parties?
You bet! These soft baked cookie bars actually taste better the next day. Bake them up to 2 days before your event, then frost and decorate the morning of your party. The flavors have more time to develop, making them even more delicious.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for the most festive, melt-in-your-mouth Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars! I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Tag me in your photos or leave a comment – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday baking successes!

Irresistible Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe You’ll Crave