Description
Soft, buttery, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect festive dessert for parties, cookie exchanges, and holiday gatherings. This easy recipe delivers all the flavor of classic sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. Loaded with colorful holiday sprinkles and baked into soft chewy bars, they make an ideal quick dessert, holiday treat, easy baking idea, and crowd-pleasing dessert recipe for every celebration.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup holiday sprinkles
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Pinch salt
Extra holiday sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently.
7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 18 to 24 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting.
10. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
11. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream.
12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
13. Top with extra holiday sprinkles.
14. Chill briefly before slicing.
15. Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
Do not overbake the cookie bars or they may lose their soft texture.
Use softened cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting.
Chill the frosted bars before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: holiday sugar cookie bars, cream cheese frosting bars, easy dessert recipe, holiday dessert, Christmas cookie bars, festive treats, sugar cookie dessert