Soft, festive, and irresistibly sweet, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars bring all the magic of the holidays into one pan. Think of your favorite sugar cookie, but in bar form: thick, chewy, and slathered with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting that melts in your mouth. The colors are merry, the flavor is nostalgic, and the ease of baking is an added holiday miracle.

Perfect for cookie exchanges, classroom parties, or just as a treat to leave out for Santa, these bars come together without the fuss of rolling or cutting. The texture strikes a balance between a soft cookie and a cake-like bite, with just the right hint of vanilla and buttery sweetness.

They’re quick to make, incredibly adaptable, and don’t require chilling or shaping. The cookie base is foolproof and bakes evenly, which means no stress about burnt edges or undercooked centers. Plus, you can go wild with toppings: crushed peppermint, festive sprinkles, or even a dusting of edible glitter to add extra sparkle to your dessert table.

What Kind of Frosting Should I Use?

Classic buttercream frosting is the go-to for these sugar cookie bars. It holds its shape beautifully, takes on color well if you want to tint it for the holidays, and complements the soft, sweet base perfectly. You can also experiment with cream cheese frosting if you prefer a slight tang, or a whipped topping for a lighter touch. Just be sure your bars are completely cooled before you spread the frosting to keep everything smooth and picture-perfect.

The ingredients for these bars are pantry staples, which makes them even more of a win during busy holiday baking days. Here’s what you need:

All-purpose flour
Provides the structure and chew to the bars, creating that classic sugar cookie texture.

Baking powder
Gives the bars just enough lift to stay soft but not cake-like.

Salt
Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

Unsalted butter
Adds rich, creamy flavor and keeps the texture tender.

Granulated sugar
Sweetens the bars and gives them their classic sugar cookie profile.

Eggs
Bind the ingredients and contribute to the soft texture.

Vanilla extract
Brings warmth and sweetness to the dough and the frosting.

Almond extract (optional)
Adds a subtle bakery-style aroma that makes these bars extra special.

Buttercream frosting
Creamy, sweet, and fluffy—perfect for topping the bars with a festive finish.

Holiday sprinkles
Add the finishing touch and make these bars pop with holiday cheer.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the bars out super easy after baking.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until well combined. Gradually add in the dry ingredients until the dough forms.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or clean hands to press it down gently and create an even layer. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Once cooled, spread a thick layer of buttercream frosting over the top. Add festive sprinkles or any toppings you love. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

These bars are best served at room temperature when the frosting is soft and luscious. They’re perfect for dessert trays or wrapped up as edible gifts. A batch yields about 20 to 24 bars depending on how big you cut them, making them ideal for holiday gatherings.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months—just layer with parchment to keep the frosting intact.

Hot Cocoa

Creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream pairs beautifully with these sweet bars.

Peppermint Mocha

The cool hint of peppermint balances the rich vanilla in the bars.

Spiced Apple Cider

Warm and cozy, it adds another layer of holiday flavor to your dessert plate.

Cheese Platter

For contrast, serve a platter with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or goat cheese.

Fresh Berries

Their tartness adds a refreshing bite between sweet cookie squares.

Eggnog

Classic and creamy, it’s a festive drink that matches the mood perfectly.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla turns your sugar cookie bar into a full dessert moment.

Cranberry Sauce

A spoonful on the side or drizzled lightly on top can add brightness and tang.

If you love these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll want to check out these other cheerful treats from Janet Dishes:

Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a gooey, graham cracker surprise.

Lemon Truffles Recipe when you’re craving something zesty and sweet.

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for the ultimate fusion of soft, spiced, and creamy.

Classic French Butter Cookies to elevate your cookie tray with elegance.

Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars as a year-round option with a fun color palette.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add crushed candy canes on top? Try a different frosting flavor?

I love seeing the variations you come up with, and I’m always happy to help troubleshoot if needed.

Explore beautifully curated holiday cookies, cakes, and health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find new favorites to share with friends and family.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution for festive baking with minimal fuss. They’re a joy to decorate, easy to slice and share, and bring cozy cheer to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or just want to add a pop of sweetness to your holiday table, these bars are bound to become a seasonal staple.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars