The holiday season calls for delicious, festive treats that bring joy without the stress. A few years ago, our cake mix Christmas cookies became a viral sensation, and now we’re thrilled to introduce another crowd-pleaser: these incredibly easy Christmas bar cookies. Crafted on a simple sheet pan, these delightful cookie bars eliminate the need for cumbersome cookie cutters and extensive dough rolling. You can effortlessly adorn them with vibrant red and green holiday colors, charming sprinkles, or an array of festive candies, making them a perfect, hassle-free addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Say goodbye to complex cut-outs and hello to simple, delicious holiday cheer.
Just like our popular Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, these festive cookie bars offer beautiful results without the typical fuss. Forget the time-consuming process of rolling out dough and using multiple cutters; with this recipe, you simply spread the dough onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. This not only significantly reduces mess in your kitchen but also makes slicing and serving incredibly straightforward. Imagine a platter full of perfectly uniform, delicious bars ready to share, without a single crumbly edge from a cookie cutter. It’s a win-win for any busy baker looking for an effortless yet impressive holiday dessert, ensuring more time for holiday festivities and less time scrubbing baking sheets.
The Ultimate Sheet Pan Sugar Cookie Bars: A Holiday Essential
At the heart of these irresistible treats is a simple, buttery base that resembles a rich shortbread cookie, but with a softer, chewier texture. This foundational recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to bake large batches effortlessly on a standard 9×13 inch sheet pan. The large surface area means more cookies in one go, perfect for feeding a crowd during holiday parties or gifting to neighbors and friends. Once baked, the broad canvas of these cookie bars invites endless customization possibilities. Whether you opt for a luscious homemade frosting, like our decadent cream cheese recipe below, or prefer the convenience of a store-bought tub, the real fun begins when it’s time to decorate. Gather your family, especially the kids, and unleash your collective creativity with a vibrant array of sprinkles, festive candies, chocolate pieces, and edible glitter to craft unique and beautiful designs. The 9×13 pan is your secret weapon for holiday baking, yielding a generous amount of uniform bars that are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying with loved ones by a warm fire. Its size ensures that everyone gets a piece of the festive cheer, and the simple bar format means no wasted dough or oddly shaped cookies, just pure, consistent deliciousness.
Crafting Your Cookie Base: From Scratch or a Smart Shortcut
While our focus today is on a delightful from-scratch recipe that yields superior flavor and texture, it’s worth noting the incredible versatility of cookie bars, especially for those looking for shortcuts. Last year, we experimented with Cookie Bars From Cake Mix, featuring an assortment of candies baked right into the dough. For a lightning-fast holiday twist on this recipe, you could certainly adapt that approach using a white or yellow dry cake mix as your base, then incorporating red and green sprinkles directly into the dough before baking. This makes for an incredibly speedy treat with minimal ingredients. However, for those who appreciate the rich, nuanced flavor and satisfying chewiness of homemade goodness, our from-scratch method is highly recommended and truly rewarding. Creating cookie dough from a box of cake mix, such as Duncan Hines, is surprisingly easy and cuts down on measuring multiple ingredients. While yellow and white cake mixes are common choices for sugar cookie bars, consider using cake mix gingerbread cookie dough for a wonderfully spiced, aromatic holiday base. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re short on time or eager to bake from scratch, you can still create impressive and delicious holiday cookie bars that will be eagerly devoured.
Shortcut with Store-Bought Cookie Dough for Quick Perfection
For those times when baking from scratch isn’t an option, perhaps due to a busy schedule or a last-minute gathering, pre-made cookie dough offers a fantastic and convenient shortcut to creating delicious bar cookies. You can absolutely use two rolls of store-bought sugar cookie dough to form the base, similar to these convenient cookie dough bars. While the texture might differ slightly from a homemade base – often being a bit denser or uniformly chewy – it’s a perfectly viable and tasty alternative that saves significant time and effort. To successfully use store-bought dough for your holiday cookie bars, simply spray your 9×13 inch pan with non-stick spray, then press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a compact layer. Bake according to the package directions, adding a few extra minutes (usually 5-10 minutes more than for individual cookies) until the top is lightly golden brown and set. Once cooled, you can proceed with frosting and slicing into neat squares or rectangles. This method is ideal for last-minute gatherings, impromptu potlucks, or when you need a quick, reliable treat that still feels homemade and special. Speaking of irresistible treats that vanish quickly, alongside these festive bars, I’m frequently asked to bring a batch of our famous Better Than Sex Cookie Bars. Those tend to be more chocolate-focused, offering a different flavor profile, but both recipes get gobbled up like there’s no tomorrow! There are literally never any leftovers, prompting me to bake an extra batch if I hope to enjoy them the following day.
Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting for Your Holiday Bars
No holiday cookie bar is truly complete without a rich, smooth, and creamy frosting to crown it. For a truly luxurious topping that perfectly complements the buttery cookie base, you’ll want to start with softened unsalted butter and cream cheese. The key to a perfectly smooth frosting is ensuring both ingredients are at room temperature – ideally, let them sit on the counter for about an hour – so they can cream together effortlessly without lumps. Begin by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, sifting it if necessary, and adjust the amount to achieve your desired thickness and sweetness. Follow this with a generous splash of pure vanilla extract for that classic, comforting flavor that everyone loves. While vanilla is a staple for a reason, don’t hesitate to personalize your frosting to match your holiday theme or personal preference. Some bakers prefer a delicate hint of almond extract for an added layer of flavor, or for a truly festive and refreshing twist, consider incorporating our vibrant Peppermint Frosting. The holiday season is all about evoking cherished memories and traditions, so feel free to experiment with extracts or zest that remind you of your childhood. Perhaps you have fond memories of baking with your grandmother, and there are specific flavors or scents that are a “must” for your holiday treats – embrace those traditions and incorporate them into your festive cookie bars for a truly personal touch!
A Kaleidoscope of Toppings and Decorating Ideas for Your Cookie Bars
The beauty of cookie bars lies in their boundless potential for creative toppings and decorations, allowing you to showcase your festive spirit without the precision demands of individually shaped cookies. While our Blossom Cookies might inspire you to chop up extra peppermint kisses and sprinkle them generously, the world of cookie decoration is vast, wonderfully subjective, and truly an art form. There’s no single “right” way to decorate; if you ask ten people, you’ll likely get ten fantastic and unique ideas! The most crucial tip, regardless of your chosen decoration, is to always allow your cookie bars to cool completely before applying any frosting or toppings. This prevents melting, smudging, and ensures a clean, beautiful finish that lasts. Once your base is cool and your frosting is ready, let your imagination soar. Here are some elaborate ideas to transform your cookie bars into holiday masterpieces, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious:
Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
By Justine
Easy Christmas bar cookies made on a sheet pan you can decorate with red and green holiday colors. NO cookie cutter Christmas cookies we love. These delightful sugar cookie bars are perfect for festive gatherings, offering a simple yet elegant treat for everyone.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 18
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Equipment
- 1 9×13 inch pan
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Electric Mixer
- 1 Spatula
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined and creamy.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly to break up any lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low speed until each addition is just incorporated before adding more. Continue until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and a soft, uniform dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Using a spatula or your hands, spread the cookie dough evenly across the prepared pan to create a smooth, consistent layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry bars.
- Transfer the pan to a wire cooling rack and allow the cookie bars to cool completely to room temperature before frosting. This step is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.
- While the bars cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Once the cookie bars are entirely cooled, spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Decorate with your desired holiday sprinkles, candies, or other festive toppings. Once decorated, you can lift the entire slab of cookie bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, making it incredibly easy to slice into neat squares or rectangles for serving.
Video Tutorial
For a visual guide to making these easy and delicious Christmas bar cookies, watch our step-by-step video tutorial. It covers everything from mixing the dough to creative decorating ideas, ensuring your holiday baking is a success.
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Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 274 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sodium: 183 mg
- Potassium: 40 mg
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Vitamin A: 469 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.002 mg
- Calcium: 18 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients, brands, and specific preparation methods.
Additional Info
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Decorating these easy Christmas bar cookies is a beloved holiday tradition that allows you to let your creativity shine without the precision demands of individual cookies. From adding classic designs to incorporating playful elements, there are countless ways to adorn your treats with festive flair. Let’s delve deeper into some inspiring ideas to elevate your holiday baking and make your cookie bars truly unforgettable:
Creative Ways to Decorate Your Holiday Cookie Bars
- Royal Icing Elegance: Royal icing is exceptionally versatile, drying to a hard, smooth finish perfect for intricate details. Use piping bags with various tips to create delicate patterns, elegant borders, or even miniature holiday scenes directly on your frosted cookie bars. Its ability to hold shape makes it ideal for more elaborate designs that need to withstand handling.
- Sparkling Sprinkles and Sugars: Instantly add a festive touch with colorful sprinkles, nonpareils, or sanding sugar. Generously sprinkle them over freshly applied, wet frosting to ensure they adhere beautifully. Choose classic red and green for a traditional look, or explore metallics, snowflakes, and holiday-themed shapes for an extra dash of sparkle and charm.
- Fondant Figures and Shapes: For a more sculptural and professional-looking approach, fondant allows you to create charming 3D shapes, festive figures, or intricate cut-outs. Roll out colored fondant thinly and use small holiday-themed cookie cutters to create stars, trees, gingerbread men, or even tiny gifts. Attach these delightful decorations to your frosted bars with a tiny dab of icing or corn syrup.
- Artistic Edible Markers: Edible markers are a fun and straightforward way to add personalized messages, intricate patterns, or whimsical doodles to your cookie bars. Both kids and adults can enjoy drawing directly onto the set frosting or a thin layer of fondant, making it an interactive and creative activity perfect for family bonding during the holidays.
- Stenciled Masterpieces: Achieve complex and uniform patterns quickly and easily with stencils. Place a holiday-themed stencil (like a snowflake, star, or reindeer) gently over your frosted cookie bar. Then, dust with powdered sugar for a magical snowy effect, or cocoa powder for a rich, contrasting design. Carefully lift the stencil to reveal your beautiful, professional-looking design.
- Vibrant Glaze Drizzles: Tint a simple powdered sugar glaze (made with powdered sugar and a touch of milk or lemon juice) with festive food coloring – think rich reds, emerald greens, or shimmering golds. Use a spoon or a piping bag with a fine tip to drizzle the glaze artistically over your cookie bars, creating beautiful abstract patterns, elegant stripes, or criss-cross designs that harden to a glossy finish.
- Charming Holiday Characters: Bring your cookie bars to life by transforming them into adorable snowmen, playful reindeer, jolly Santas, or other beloved holiday characters. Use various colors of frosting for the base, small candies for eyes and noses, mini chocolate chips for buttons, and pretzel pieces for antlers to construct delightful edible figures that will delight guests of all ages.
- Candy and Chocolate Assortment: Get creative with an array of candies! Use mini chocolate chips, colorful M&M’s, crushed candy canes, gummy candies, or even chopped up candy bars (like Snickers or Butterfingers) to add texture, color, and extra sweetness. Arrange them in neat patterns, create festive borders, or simply scatter for a delightful, edible mosaic.
- Metallic Accents: For a touch of sophistication and glamour, incorporate metallic edible dusts. Mix edible gold or silver dust with a drop of clear alcohol (like vodka or lemon extract) to create a paint, then use a fine brush to paint intricate designs, highlights, or add a subtle shimmer to specific areas of your frosted bars, making them truly sparkle.
- Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary: For a more natural, rustic, and elegant look, adorn your bars with sugared cranberries and small sprigs of fresh rosemary. The bright red cranberries resemble festive jewels, and the deep green rosemary adds a touch of natural foliage, evoking a beautiful winter wonderland feel that is both visually stunning and aromatic.
Whether you opt for elaborate, intricate designs or prefer the simplicity of colorful sprinkles, remember that the true joy of holiday baking lies in the effort and love you put into your creations. These versatile Christmas bar cookies are a perfect canvas for your festive imagination, ensuring every bite is as visually appealing as it is utterly delicious. They’re a testament to stress-free holiday magic.
Storing Your Delicious Christmas Cookie Bars for Optimal Freshness
To ensure your homemade Christmas bar cookies remain wonderfully moist, tender, and flavorful for as long as possible, proper storage is absolutely key. If you happen to have any delightful leftovers – a rare occurrence with these irresistible treats! – individual wrapping is ideal for preserving their quality. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air exposure, which is the primary culprit for stale cookies. Once individually wrapped, store them in an airtight container on the countertop at cool room temperature, rather than in the refrigerator. The cold, dry environment of a fridge can surprisingly cause baked goods to dry out quickly and become dense, altering their soft, chewy texture. Ideally, these delectable cookie bars are best enjoyed within 48 hours for optimal freshness and taste. If you find them a little dry after a day or two, a quick 10-20 second warm-up in the microwave can work wonders, restoring a touch of that freshly baked warmth and moisture. For longer storage options, you can also freeze the unfrosted bars. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the unfrosted bars at room temperature for a few hours before preparing and applying your delicious cream cheese frosting and festive decorations. This method ensures you can enjoy homemade holiday cheer long after the season ends.
A 9×13-inch cookie cake is incredibly generous and typically serves anywhere from 12 to 20 people, depending on how large or small you choose to cut the slices. For easy removal and precise slicing, we highly recommend lining your pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides. Once the cookie cake has fully cooled, you can simply lift the entire slab out of the pan and cut it into any desired shape or size, from small squares for a large gathering to larger rectangles for a family treat. This flexibility makes them perfect for any event.
Absolutely! The unfrosted cookie bars can be baked up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For even longer preparation, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw them completely at room temperature, then prepare the frosting and decorate closer to when you plan to share them. This ensures the freshest look and taste for your holiday celebration.
The “no cookie cutter needed” aspect is what truly sets these Christmas bar cookies apart, making them incredibly simple and mess-free. Instead of the laborious process of rolling out dough and painstakingly cutting individual shapes, you simply press the entire batch of dough into a single sheet pan. After baking and cooling, you just slice the large slab into squares or rectangles. This method saves significant time, reduces cleanup, and eliminates the need for specialized equipment, making holiday baking accessible and enjoyable for everyone, even beginners.
Yes, absolutely! While vanilla extract provides a classic flavor, feel free to get creative with other extracts to match your holiday theme or personal preference. Almond extract adds a lovely depth, a touch of peppermint extract gives a festive minty kick, or even orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavor profile. Just start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired flavor intensity.
Embrace the holiday spirit with these fuss-free, utterly delicious Christmas bar cookies. They are the perfect blend of simplicity and festive charm, guaranteed to be a hit at any celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your holiday traditions, these easy cookie bars will become a cherished part of your festive repertoire. Happy baking, and happy holidays!