Description

These Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive dessert for the holiday season. With a soft buttery cookie base, creamy vanilla frosting, and colorful holiday sprinkles in every bite, they make the perfect easy dessert for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, family gatherings, and winter celebrations. This easy recipe is ideal for anyone looking for quick dessert ideas, holiday food ideas, easy baking recipes, and fun Christmas treats without spending hours decorating individual cookies.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup red and green holiday sprinkles

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Extra holiday sprinkles for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

6. Fold the holiday sprinkles gently into the batter.

7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

8. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.

9. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

10. To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.

11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.

12. Top with additional holiday sprinkles, slice into bars, and serve.

Notes

Do not overbake the bars because they continue to firm up while cooling. Slightly soft centers create the best texture.

Allow the bars to cool fully before frosting to keep the frosting thick and creamy.

For cleaner slices, chill the frosted bars for 15 minutes before cutting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320
Sugar: 29g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg