Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars are buttery, soft, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth! These festive cookie bars taste just like classic sugar cookies — but without the fuss of chilling, rolling, or cutting dough. And best of all? They’re ready in just 30 minutes!
It’s that magical time of year when the house smells like vanilla, butter, and sugar, the Christmas lights start twinkling, and you suddenly find yourself craving something sweet and cozy. I love the tradition of holiday baking, but I also love simplicity — and these bars check every box.
These sugar cookie bars feature a soft, chewy cookie base and a luscious, whipped cream cheese frosting. They’re sweet, buttery, and just the right amount of indulgent. Sprinkle on some festive red and green toppings, and you’ve got yourself the easiest Christmas dessert ever!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No fuss, no cookie cutters! You get all the classic sugar cookie flavor without any of the extra work.
- Soft and chewy perfection. The buttery base is melt-in-your-mouth delicious with the creamiest frosting on top.
- Quick to make. From mixing to frosting — you’re done in just 30 minutes!
- Perfect for the holidays. Dress them up with red and green sprinkles or pastel colors for spring.
Recipe Ingredients
Cookie Base
- Flour – The heart of the dough – it gives structure while keeping the bars soft and tender.
- Butter – The source of all that rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Soften it for the perfect creamy texture.
- Sugars – A blend of granulated and powdered sugars adds sweetness and that signature soft chew.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients and helps create a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Extracts – Vanilla brings warmth and depth, while a touch of almond extract adds that bakery-style flavor.
- Leavening – Baking powder and baking soda keep the bars light, soft, and perfectly puffed.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
Frosting
- Butter – Softened butter forms the creamy, rich base of the frosting.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a tangy note that cuts through the sweetness – it’s dreamy and smooth.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses the frosting with warm, sweet depth.
- Powdered Sugar – Creates that classic, fluffy texture that spreads beautifully.
- Salt – A tiny pinch rounds out the flavors and keeps the frosting from being overly sweet.
See the recipe card below for full measurements and directions.
Substitutions & Variations
- Switch the flavor – Replace almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a bright twist.
- Add zest – Lemon or orange zest adds a refreshing kick – perfect for spring or summer.
- Change the frosting – Use chocolate or vanilla buttercream for something different.
- Add toppings – Sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or M&M’s all work beautifully!
This recipe hasn’t been tested with alternative flours or sugar substitutes, but if you try one, let me know how it turns out!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the texture is smooth and creamy. This step is key to achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base.
Step 2: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined. The mixture should be thick, smooth, and fragrant — the perfect foundation for soft, chewy sugar cookie bars.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Smooth the top, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are slightly puffed and the surface just begins to crack. Cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then gradually sift in the powdered sugar — one cup at a time — beating until the frosting is light, creamy, and smooth.
Step 5: Once the cookie base is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Smooth it out for a clean, even layer that’s ready for decoration.
Step 6: Finish by adding festive red and green sprinkles (or any toppings you like). Chill for 15–20 minutes for easier slicing, then cut into squares and serve. These soft, buttery bars are the perfect easy holiday treat!
Expert Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensures smooth, even mixing for the best texture.
- Don’t overbake: The bars continue to set as they cool.
- Press evenly: For consistent thickness and perfect baking.
- Chill before slicing: For cleaner, bakery-style cuts.
- Decorate with flair: Use themed sprinkles or edible glitter for seasonal sparkle.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Bake the cookie base the day before and frost when ready to serve.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Definitely. Simply replace it with more vanilla for a classic sugar cookie flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course — bake in a 9×13-inch pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw, frost, and decorate when ready.
How do I get neat squares?
Chill the bars for 15–20 minutes before slicing, and clean the knife between each cut.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Best the same day they’re made.
- Refrigerator: Store frosted bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
📖 Recipe
Frosted Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Offset spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and extracts; mix well.
- Whisk dry ingredients and fold into the wet mixture.
- Press evenly into the pan and bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Beat frosting ingredients until smooth, spread evenly, and top with sprinkles.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Add food coloring to the frosting for a festive look.
- If baking in a metal pan, check for doneness a few minutes early.
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