If you’re dreaming of a festive, soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that captures everything magical about the holidays, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the treat your holiday table needs. They have all the flavor and buttery richness of classic sugar cookies—but without the hassle of rolling, chilling, cutting, and rerolling dough. Instead, everything bakes as one soft, thick cookie slab that slices into perfect bars for parties, cookie trays, and family gatherings. These bars bring together warm vanilla flavor, a tender crumb, and a buttery cookie texture that’s decorated with cheerful holiday sprinkles. They’re quick to make, easy to transport, and perfect for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, simple family recipes, or budget-friendly holiday desserts to add to their seasonal traditions. Whether you’re baking for a school event, a Christmas party, your holiday cookie exchange, or cozy nights at home, these bars deliver pure festive comfort and sweetness with very little effort. They’re ideal for home bakers seeking healthy cooking at home, holiday weeknight recipes, or beginner-friendly treats that still look impressive on the dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and beginner-friendly – No chilling, rolling, or cookie cutters required. Perfect if you love easy baking for beginners.
• Perfect for parties – Makes a large batch, great for cookie trays, potlucks, or Christmas gatherings.
• Budget-friendly ingredients – Made with pantry staples, ideal for affordable meals and holiday baking on a budget.
• Festive and customizable – Decorate with sprinkles, frosting, or holiday colors.
• Soft, thick, bakery-style texture – Moist, tender, and flavorful cookie bars every time.
• Great for meal prep – Can be made ahead and stored for days without losing freshness.

Ingredient Breakdown

These pantry staples come together to create the perfect holiday cookie bar. Here’s why each ingredient matters, with keywords like best baking ingredients, budget-friendly groceries, and healthy recipe alternatives naturally included.
All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups) – The structure of the bars. Provides softness while keeping the center tender. Simple, accessible, and ideal for budget-friendly holiday baking.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Creates sweetness and the classic sugar cookie flavor while helping the bars remain soft.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, room temperature) – Adds richness, moisture, and buttery flavor. Using room-temperature butter ensures smooth mixing and perfect cookie texture.
Eggs (2 large) – Bind the dough and help create a tender, cohesive bar with the right amount of lift.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) – Helps the cookie bars rise slightly, giving them a soft, airy texture.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Gives the warm, classic sugar cookie flavor. Use pure vanilla for the best baking results.
Salt (½ teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Holiday Sprinkles – For decoration and festive appeal. Choose red, green, or multicolor sprinkles to match Christmas themes.
These simple ingredients create a thick, soft, festive cookie bar your family will request every year.

Pro Tips

These healthy cooking tips, easy baking hacks, and kitchen strategies ensure perfect sugar cookie bars every time.
1. Don’t overmix the dough. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars dense.
2. Use parchment paper for easy removal. It helps you lift the entire bar slab out of the pan cleanly for perfect slicing.
3. Underbake slightly for soft bars. The edges should be golden, but the center should remain soft and set. Overbaking leads to dry bars.
4. Cool completely before slicing. This creates clean edges and prevents crumbling.
5. Add frosting for extra sweetness. A simple vanilla buttercream creates a bakery-style finish.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

These swaps are perfect for gluten-free recipes, low-sugar alternatives, and festive holiday variations.
Gluten-Free Variation: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Low-Sugar Option: Replace half the sugar with a baking-approved monk fruit sweetener for healthy recipe alternatives.
Frosted Christmas Bars: Add homemade buttercream frosting and holiday sprinkles.
Confetti Style: Fold sprinkles directly into the dough for a funfetti effect.
Almond Extract Twist: Replace half the vanilla with almond extract for a bakery-style sugar cookie taste.
These adjustments keep the recipe flexible and enjoyable for all holiday preferences.

Serving Suggestions

These bars fit perfectly into holiday menus, cookie trays, and festive gatherings. Here’s how to enjoy them with easy party food ideas, best holiday side dishes, and cheerful pairings.
• Add to Christmas cookie plates alongside chocolate crinkles and gingerbread cookies.
• Serve with hot chocolate, spiced cider, or holiday coffee blends.
• Pair with fruit platters or festive snack boards for parties.
• Wrap in holiday treat bags for gifts or classroom treats.
These bars are delicious on their own but shine even brighter as part of your Christmas spread.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Ideal for meal prep ideas, holiday weeknight baking, and desserts you can prepare days ahead.
Make-Ahead:
Bake up to 48 hours before serving. Store tightly covered.
Storing Leftovers:
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Refrigeration:
Keeps bars fresh and firm for up to a week.
Freezing:
Freeze unfrosted or frosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
These tips also make this recipe one of the best holiday freezer desserts and party prep treats.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Sugar cookies are a beloved part of American holiday traditions, rooted in centuries-old European butter cookie recipes. Over time, the classic sugar cookie evolved into cut-outs decorated with colorful icing for celebrations. These modern sugar cookie bars offer the same nostalgic flavor with a simpler, more time-saving preparation—perfect for busy families, holiday dinner recipes, and festive gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I frost these bars?
Yes! A thick layer of vanilla buttercream with sprinkles creates the ultimate Christmas cookie bar.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. They stay soft for days, making them perfect for holiday meal prep.
How do I keep the bars soft?
Do not overbake, and store in an airtight container.
Can I use different sprinkles?
Yes—use any colors to match holidays or events.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Bake in two pans or use a larger sheet pan and adjust the bake time slightly.