Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups all-purpose flour; 4 eggs; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 cups 1/2 butter, room temperature; 5 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream; Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles (optional); Dash of kosher salt

Sweet memories burst to life with these irresistible christmas sugar cookie bars that melt in your mouth and spark joy.

Soft, buttery layers promise pure holiday happiness in every single bite.

Bakers of all skill levels can create these delectable treats with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

The golden edges and tender center capture the essence of festive cheer.

Rich vanilla and delicate sugar combine to craft a dessert that feels like a warm holiday embrace.

Decorated with colorful sprinkles or left classic, these bars bring smiles to faces young and old.

Serve them at gatherings, wrap as gifts, or savor them quietly with a cup of hot cocoa.

You’ll fall in love with this easy, delightful recipe that transforms ordinary moments into magical memories.

Why Easy Sheet Pan Cookies Are a Game-Changer

Maximize Baking Efficiency: Whip up delicious cookies using just one sheet pan, cutting down on multiple baking trays and cleanup time.
Customize with Ease: Personalize frosting colors and sprinkles to match any celebration or mood, making these cookies perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just-because moments.
Beginner Baker Friendly: Simple mixing technique and straightforward instructions ensure even novice bakers can create professional-looking, delectable treats without stress or complicated steps.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Soft, sweet cookie bars with creamy frosting guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie base.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, soft texture in the cookies.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie's golden brown color.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's soft texture.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Provide depth and complexity of flavor to the cookie base.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, soft texture.

Frosting Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy frosting base with rich flavor.
Heavy Cream: Adjusts the frosting's consistency and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Add flavor depth to the frosting.
Food Coloring: Optional ingredient for decorative and festive appearance.

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit and get ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Grab a half sheet pan and line it with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your cookie adventure.

Step 3: Create the Dry Foundation

Whip out a bowl and combine your dry ingredients with a whisk:

All-purpose flour
Salt
Baking powder

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly mixed and free of lumps.

Step 4: Craft the Cookie Dough

In a separate mixing bowl, cream together:

Butter
Sugar

Beat these until they transform into a fluffy, light mixture.

This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing for another 1-2 minutes.

Gradually fold in your dry ingredient mixture, stirring until everything comes together smoothly.

Step 5: Spread the Deliciousness

Transfer your cookie dough onto the prepared pan.

Use a floured rolling pin to spread the dough evenly, creating a perfectly smooth surface that reaches all corners of the pan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

The sweet spot is around 18 minutes – watch for golden edges and a set center.

Once done, remove and let cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat butter until it becomes light and creamy.

Gradually add:

Powdered sugar
Salt
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream

Mix slowly, adding cream bit by bit until you achieve a silky smooth consistency.

Feel free to add food coloring for extra pizzazz.

Step 8: Decorate with Flair

Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the surface.

Sprinkle with colorful decorations to make your sheet pan cookies look as incredible as they taste.

Use a floured rolling pin to evenly spread dough, preventing thick or thin spots for consistent baking.
Check cookies at 15 minutes and remove when edges are lightly golden to maintain soft, chewy texture.
Use room temperature butter and beat until light and fluffy for better cookie consistency and smoother mixing.
Experiment with different extract flavors like almond or vanilla to create unique taste profiles in your sheet pan cookies.
Allow cookies to cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean, professional-looking decoration.

Sheet Pan Cookies – Fun Flavor Swaps

Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly cookie bars.
Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk in frosting for dairy-free option.
Chocolate Lover's Choice: Mix cocoa powder into dough and create chocolate frosting with melted dark chocolate for intense chocolate experience.
Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into dough and sprinkle extra nuts on top of frosting for added texture and flavor.

Serving Sheet Pan Cookies for a Crowd

Sweet Celebration Party: Perfect for birthday bashes, slice these cookies into fun geometric shapes and arrange on a colorful platter for kids and adults to enjoy.
Dessert Buffet Centerpiece: Create a stunning cookie display by cutting different sized rectangles, stacking them artfully, and garnishing with metallic or pastel sprinkles.
Coffee Shop Style Treat: Cut into long, elegant rectangular strips and serve alongside cappuccinos or lattes for a sophisticated afternoon snack experience that feels like a gourmet cafe treat.
Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons matching the frosting color, making them a delightful homemade gift for friends and family.

Storing Your Sheet Pan Cookies with Care

Store frosted sheet pan cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent drying out and preserve freshness.
Wrap uncut, unfrosted cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Keep unfrosted cookies at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread inside to maintain moisture and softness.
Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper when storing to prevent them from sticking together and preserve their delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

What if I don't have parchment paper?

You can use a silicone baking mat or grease the sheet pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly firm center. The bars should not appear wet or jiggly when gently shaken.

Can I freeze the cookie bars?

Yes, you can freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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