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The Easiest Soft Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting and Sprinkles

A close-up shot of a square slice of moist Christmas sugar cookie bars topped with thick white frosting and festive red, green, and gold sprinkles.
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Make these soft, buttery Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in one pan for a simple holiday dessert. They deliver classic sugar cookie flavor without the work of cutting out individual cookies, topped with creamy vanilla buttercream and festive sprinkles.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • For the Frosting: 4 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • Holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  6. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add more milk if the frosting is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it is too thin.
  10. Spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
  11. Immediately decorate with your favorite holiday sprinkles before the frosting sets.
  12. Once the frosting is set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For the softest texture, be sure not to overbake the bars. They should look slightly underdone in the very center when you remove them.
  • You can prepare the cookie base a day ahead and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost just before serving.
  • Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in both the bars and the frosting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/christmas-sugar-cookie-bars/