Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars: Festive and Easy Holiday Dessert

The holiday season is all about creating memories with your loved ones, and what better way to do that than by baking some Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars together? These bars are not only delicious but incredibly easy to make. No need to worry about rolling out dough or using cookie cutters—just mix, bake, and decorate!

Every year, I look forward to baking with my kids, and these Christmas tree bars have become a family favorite. The soft, buttery sugar cookie base topped with a creamy, green buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles is the perfect holiday treat. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking for a fun project to do with your little ones, these bars are sure to bring some joy to your kitchen.

Let’s dive into the recipe, step by step!

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars

Easy to Make and Fun to Decorate

If you’re looking for a stress-free holiday treat, Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars are the way to go. You don’t have to roll, chill, or cut the dough into perfect shapes. Just mix the dough, press it into a pan, bake, and frost. The fun really begins when you start decorating. With just a little bit of frosting and some festive sprinkles, you can turn these simple bars into adorable Christmas trees.

Soft and Flavorful

I love sugar cookies, but sometimes they can be a bit too crispy for my taste. These cookie bars are soft and chewy—just the way I like them. The frosting adds a creamy texture that balances out the slight sweetness of the cookie base, making every bite a little piece of heaven.

A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages

Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, bringing them to a school event, or enjoying them as a family treat, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. The kids will love decorating them, and the adults will enjoy the soft, sweet flavor. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they look beautiful on any holiday dessert table.

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Christmas tree bars. Don’t worry—these ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store.

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (not baking soda!)
• ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• Green food coloring

For the Toppings:

• Sprinkles (optional but highly recommended for extra holiday fun!)

How to Make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars

Making these Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars is incredibly easy. From mixing the dough to decorating the trees, it’s a fun and rewarding process that the whole family can enjoy. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your butter isn’t softened, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make it easier to mix.

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 20-30 seconds until it’s light and fluffy. Once it’s creamed, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.

Now, add the baking powder, salt, and flour, but don’t dump it all in at once. Add the flour in ½ cup increments, mixing on low speed until it’s fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, just enough to get a soft, smooth dough that isn’t sticky.

Step 2: Press the Dough Into the Pan

Spray a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they’re baked.

Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon sized chunks and drop them into the pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan. If the dough is too sticky, place another piece of parchment paper on top and press it down. It’ll help keep things neat and give you perfect edges.

Step 3: Bake the Sugar Cookie Bars

Bake the dough at 350°F (175°C) for 14-16 minutes. The key to soft sugar cookie bars is to take them out of the oven when you see just a slight brownness around the edges. The center might look underdone, but that’s okay—the bars will continue baking in the pan as they cool. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream Frosting

While the bars are cooling, you can make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar, mixing on low until the sugar is incorporated.

Once the powdered sugar is mixed in, increase the speed to high and beat for another 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add 1 tablespoon of milk to thin it out slightly. If the frosting feels too thick, add another tablespoon of milk. Then, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until it’s a vibrant green shade.

Step 5: Decorate the Cookie Bars

Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the green frosting evenly over the top of the bars using a spatula. Use a piping bag or the back of a spoon to create little Christmas tree shapes on the bars. Be creative—each tree can be different! Top with colorful sprinkles for a little extra holiday cheer.

Step 6: Chill and Cut the Bars

Once decorated, place the bars in the fridge for about 30-60 minutes to firm up the frosting. This will make them easier to cut and prevent the frosting from smearing. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or triangle shapes to look like Christmas trees.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

These bars are ready to be served! They’re perfect for holiday parties, as a sweet treat after dinner, or even as a gift for a neighbor. If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will), store them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars

• Measure Your Flour Correctly: It’s essential to measure the flour using the spoon and level method. Too much flour can make the bars dry, so be sure to measure carefully.
• Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy bars, take them out of the oven when the edges are just slightly brown. The center might look soft, but it’ll firm up as it cools.
• Frost While Fresh: If you’re adding sprinkles, do it right after you frost the bars. The longer you wait, the more likely the frosting will set, and the sprinkles won’t stick.
• Storage: If you’re making these ahead of time, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, just make sure to wrap them well so they don’t dry out.

FAQs About Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars

Can I make these bars without almond extract?
Yes, if you don’t have almond extract, you can use extra vanilla extract or leave it out completely. The bars will still be delicious!

Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can definitely use store-bought frosting to save time, but homemade frosting will give these bars a fresher taste and texture.

How do I make the frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too thin, add a little extra powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency.

Can I decorate these in advance?
Yes, you can make these bars a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Why These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars Are So Special

These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of fun, easy, and delicious. They’re soft, sweet, and customizable, making them perfect for all ages. I love that they’re simple enough to make with my kids, and they’re always a hit at holiday parties. Plus, they look so festive and colorful—what’s not to love?

Baking these bars together has become a cherished tradition in our house, and I’m sure they’ll be the same for your family. The best part is that you can make them as simple or as creative as you like, and they’ll still taste amazing.

Related Recipes You Might Like:

• Quick and Delicious Recipes
• New Thanksgiving Recipes
• Earl Grey Cookies

These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Bars will bring smiles to your table this holiday season. They’re simple to make, delicious to eat, and a great way to add a little extra holiday cheer to your celebrations. Enjoy!

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