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The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Perfect Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

A single square of rich christmas sugar cookie bars topped with thick white frosting and festive red, green, and white sprinkles.
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Make soft, buttery Christmas sugar cookie bars that are easier than cutting out individual cookies. Top them with a simple, creamy vanilla buttercream for a festive holiday treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 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 on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tablespoon of 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, alternating with the 1/2 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix 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 near the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This may take 1 to 2 hours.
  9. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the 1/2 cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the 1 cup of powdered sugar until combined. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat until light and fluffy, adding the remaining milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  10. Spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
  11. Immediately decorate the top with your favorite Christmas sprinkles.
  12. Once frosted, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares before serving.

Notes

  • For the softest bars, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
  • You can make these bars up to two days ahead. Store them tightly covered at room temperature.
  • Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in both the bars and the frosting.

Nutrition

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