Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars (Print-Friendly Version)

These soft, frosted sugar cookie bars use simple baking methods for a classic Christmas treat, topped with festive sprinkles and a creamy buttercream. Ideal for December, holiday platters, or cookie exchanges—one to keep handy.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/4 cup festive sprinkles

→ Frosting

08 - 2 cups powdered sugar
09 - 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
10 - 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - 2 tablespoons milk
13 - additional festive sprinkles for topping

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened salted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
03 - Gradually mix in 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder to the wet mixture until a thick dough forms. Gently fold in 1/4 cup festive sprinkles.
04 - Evenly press dough into the prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden at the edges and set in the center.
05 - Remove pan from oven. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift bars out of the pan and transfer to a work surface.
06 - Beat together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup softened salted butter, 3 tablespoons softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth and spreadable.
07 - Generously spread frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle additional festive sprinkles evenly over the surface.
08 - Cut into squares with a sharp knife and serve immediately, or allow frosting to set for a firmer texture.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For clean slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes after frosting.

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