Description
These festive sugar cookie bars are easy to make and topped with a delightful cream cheese frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings and family memories.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Christmas sprinkles
- Red & green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the pure vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk for consistency.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars, top with sprinkles, and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Cut into about 24 bars and enjoy!
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. You can also make them vegan by using plant-based butter and replacing eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg