Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars: Irresistibly Frosted Delights

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, I find myself drawn to the kitchen, where the scent of baked goods fills the air. Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars have become a staple in my festive traditions. These treats evoke fond memories of family gatherings, where each bite is a reminder of laughter and love shared around the table.

My journey with Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars began when I was searching for a dessert that was both easy to make and delightful to share. The simplicity of combining butter, sugar, and flour to create something so delicious captivated me. These bars, with their festive sprinkles and sweet frosting, quickly became a favorite among my loved ones.

For me, the magic of Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars lies in their ability to bring people together. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, these bars never fail to impress. The joy on my friends’ faces as they take their first bite makes every moment in the kitchen worthwhile.

As we explore the delightful world of Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars, I hope to inspire you to create your own sweet memories. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure and discover the secrets to making these irresistible treats.

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 38-40 minutes
• Yield: 1 9×13-inch pan 1x

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Description

Indulge in the holiday spirit with our delectable Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars recipe. Learn how to make these festive treats that are perfect for sharing!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (310g)
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
• 2 tablespoons milk (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• Assorted sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
8. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
11. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
13. Decorate with assorted sprinkles as desired.
14. Allow the frosting to set before cutting into bars.
15. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Consider using brown sugar for a richer flavor in the cookie dough.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Customize the bars with different sprinkles or toppings to your liking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Keywords: 1. Sugar cookie bars, 2. Holiday dessert, 3. Easy baking, 4. Festive treat, 5. Christmas sweets, 6. Homemade cookies

Creating Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

Fundamentals

The foundation of any great Holiday Sugar Cookie Bar is the perfect balance of ingredients. The unsalted butter provides a rich, creamy texture, while granulated sugar adds the right amount of sweetness. Eggs contribute to the structure, and vanilla extract infuses a warm, inviting aroma.

Combining these ingredients with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt ensures the bars have the ideal consistency. The subtle rise from the baking powder and the balance of flavors from the salt are essential for a harmonious taste.

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into the mixing process, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step ensures even baking and prevents the bars from sticking.

Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is crucial. This process incorporates air, giving the bars a tender crumb. Adding eggs one at a time allows for proper emulsification, resulting in a smooth batter.

Mastering the Technique

Technique

Gradually incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture is key to avoiding overmixing, which can lead to tough bars. Stir just until combined to maintain a soft texture.

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring the edges are slightly thicker to prevent overbrowning. Baking for 18-20 minutes yields bars with lightly golden edges and a soft center.

Tips/Tricks

To enhance the flavor, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step allows the ingredients to meld, resulting in a richer taste. Additionally, using parchment paper in the baking pan can make removing the bars easier.

For those looking to personalize their bars, consider adding a touch of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist. If you love creative comfort food, you’ll definitely want to try these Soft Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars — a delightful variation.

Perfecting the Holiday Sugar Cookie Bar

Perfecting Results

The secret to perfect Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars lies in the balance of bake time and cooling. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set their structure. This patience pays off with perfectly cut squares.

For a frosting that complements the bars, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze adds a delightful sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars offer a festive twist on this classic treat.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your bars come out too dry, consider reducing the bake time slightly or ensuring the dough isn’t overmixed. For a softer texture, try adding an extra egg yolk or using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Experiment with different frostings and decorations to suit various occasions. For a patriotic celebration, these Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are a colorful option.

Serving and Presenting Your Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars

Serving/Presentation

Presentation can elevate your Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars from simple treats to show-stopping desserts. Arrange them on a decorative platter, and let the vibrant sprinkles add a festive touch.

For an added layer of decadence, consider serving the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the creamy toppings and the soft bars creates a delightful experience.

Pairings/Storage

To keep your Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, making them perfect for preparing in advance of a holiday gathering.

Pair these bars with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee to enhance their sweet flavors. For a healthier treat option, explore these Healthy No-Bake Chocolate Yogurt Banana Fudge Cookie Bars.

Conclusion

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars offer a delightful and versatile dessert option, perfect for any festive occasion. Their simplicity in preparation and ability to bring joy to gatherings make them a must-have in any holiday recipe collection.

By mastering the fundamentals and techniques, you can create bars that are both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. Their flexibility allows for endless customization, ensuring they remain a family favorite for years to come.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a culinary novice, these bars provide an opportunity to explore the joys of home baking. Embrace the process, share with loved ones, and create sweet memories with Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars.

FAQs – Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars