Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars
Delightfully chewy bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour This is the backbone of the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Gives rise to the bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Adds additional lift.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) The star ingredient for richness.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar Perfect sweetness for the base.
- 2 large eggs For binding and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) Adds a delightful flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
For the Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar For the creamy frosting.
- cream cheese frosting cream cheese frosting for topping Make it from scratch or use store-bought.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Serving
- Cut into bars and serve, optionally sprinkling festive sprinkles on top.
Notes
Store uneaten bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to maintain softness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 100mgSugar: 20g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!