Festive Cookie Bars

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Soft, chewy, and topped with a dreamy layer of vanilla frosting, these Festive Cookie Bars bring the holiday spirit to every bite. Sprinkled with red and green jimmies, they’re not only delicious but downright cheerful – perfect for cookie exchanges, potlucks, or just an excuse to bake something merry.

Think of them as your favorite sugar cookie, leveled up: easier to make (no rolling or cutting!) and even more fun to decorate. They slice cleanly, stay soft for days, and transport well, making them a stress-free dessert for any celebration.

What Kind of Frosting Should I Use?

A thick and creamy vanilla buttercream is classic for these bars. You want a frosting that holds its shape yet spreads easily. Homemade is ideal, but a good-quality store-bought tub works if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure it’s not too thin or runny, as it needs to support the sprinkles without melting into the cookie base.

Ingredients for the Festive Cookie Bars

• Butter: Unsalted, and plenty of it! This is the base of that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar for sweetness and structure.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the bars their chewy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient that gives the bars their body.
• Baking Powder: For a little lift and softness.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
• Frosting: Vanilla buttercream, either homemade or store-bought.
• Sprinkles: Red and green for that unmistakable holiday look!

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How To Make the Festive Cookie Bars

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures your bars are tender and perfectly blended.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—we want soft bars, not tough ones!

Step 4: Press and Bake

Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. The center should still look slightly soft.

Step 5: Cool and Frost

Let the cookie base cool completely before frosting. Then spread a generous layer of vanilla frosting over the top.

Step 6: Decorate!

Shower those bars with sprinkles! Red and green for Christmas, but you can customize for any occasion.

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How to Serve and Store Festive Cookie Bars

These bars are best served at room temperature when the frosting is soft and the cookie base is tender. To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week (bring to room temp before serving). You can also freeze them—frosted or unfrosted—for up to 2 months.

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What to Serve With Festive Cookie Bars?

Hot Chocolate

Rich and cozy hot cocoa makes the perfect partner to these sweet bars.

Mulled Wine

For an adult twist, pair these with a spiced warm wine for holiday parties.

Peppermint Lattes

The minty notes complement the vanilla frosting like a winter match made in heaven.

Eggnog

Another festive classic that pairs beautifully with buttery cookies.

Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream turns one bar into a full-on dessert.

Fresh Fruit

Berries or citrus segments can add a fresh contrast to all the sweetness.

Cinnamon Tea

The warmth of cinnamon tea cuts through the sugar and feels like a cozy blanket.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Festive Cookie Bars, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Twix Cookie Cups for caramel-chocolate bliss in one bite.
• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies if you crave rich, fudgy indulgence.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for sweet-salty perfection.
• Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies when you’re feeling whimsical.
• Lemon Rolls for a citrusy soft alternative to cookies.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try another color scheme? Add almond extract for a twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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