Few desserts bring instant smiles like Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Sprinkles. These colorful, chewy squares combine the nostalgic charm of classic sugar cookies with the fun of festive sprinkles—all in one effortless recipe. Perfect for every celebration, from cozy birthday gatherings to cheerful holiday parties, they belong among the best Baking 101 Recipes for all skill levels. Whether you’re planning a bake sale, assembling dessert trays, or searching for the Best Cakes for Parties, these bars deliver sweetness, style, and simplicity. In this guide, we’ll explore their heartwarming story, ingredients, baking steps, decorating ideas, and helpful FAQs for guaranteed success.
Why Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Sprinkles Are Pure Joy
A Sweet Memory that Started It All
The first time I baked Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Sprinkles, it was during a snowy December weekend at my grandmother’s house. The kitchen smelled of vanilla and butter, and Christmas music hummed in the background. When we finally added the holiday sprinkles—tiny stars and red-green pearls—the tray instantly transformed into a celebration in itself. Those colorful specks didn’t just decorate the cookie bars; they filled the room with laughter and warmth.
That simple batch turned into a family tradition. Now, making these cute easy treats marks the start of every festive season. What I love most is their simplicity—no need for rolling dough, cutting shapes, or complicated frosting work. In true Baking 101 Recipes fashion, it’s all about delicious ease and heartfelt memory-making. Whether you’re eight or eighty, there’s something magical about pulling a tray of golden cookie bars from the oven and watching sprinkles melt just enough to sparkle.
This recipe isn’t only about dessert; it’s about reliving childhood happiness in every bite. Every time I make these sugar cookie bars, I’m reminded how baking connects us—through stories, smells, and those sweet, colorful bites of joy shared around the table.
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Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Sprinkles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
These sugar cookie bars combine the classic flavor of sugar cookies with festive holiday sprinkles for a chewy, colorful treat. Perfect for parties, bake sales, and celebrations of all kinds.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
10. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 24 squares before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, holiday sprinkles, cute easy treats, baking 101 recipes, frosted sugar cookie bars, party desserts
Why This Recipe Works for Every Party
There’s a reason frosted sugar cookie bars show up at every celebration—from kids’ birthdays to elegant holiday parties. Their charm lies in their versatility. With just a few basic pantry ingredients and thirty minutes of baking time, they deliver bakery-quality results without the stress of rolling or chilling dough. The end result is soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet—making them one of the most dependable cute easy treats you can whip up for any crowd.
Hosting a birthday? Tint the frosting pink or blue and top with sprinkle confetti for a fun twist on bday cookies decorated themes. Preparing for a bake sale? Slice them into neat squares, wrap in parchment, tie with a ribbon, and you’ve instantly created a Bake Sale Snack Mixes bestseller. Need a showstopper for a holiday potluck? Add white frosting and snowflake sprinkles—simple, festive, and totally irresistible.
Their adaptability extends beyond presentation. These bars can be baked a day ahead, refrigerated, or even frozen. They withstand travel beautifully, making them ideal for school events and parties on the go.
In the broader world of desserts, they fit neatly into the Best Cakes for Parties category—soft like cake, sturdy like brownies, and universally loved like cookies. No matter the occasion, Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Sprinkles bring the same combination of flavor, fun, and festivity that turns ordinary gatherings into cherished memories.
Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe – Ingredients and Baking Steps
Simple Ingredients You Already Have at Home
One of the best parts of Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Sprinkles is that they use simple pantry staples—nothing fancy, just pure comfort. That’s what makes them such a favorite among Baking 101 Recipes: the process is friendly for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned bakers. Below is a helpful ingredient table to keep things organized before you start mixing.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups (about 345 g) | Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Helps bars rise slightly for a soft bite |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Substitute vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | For a chewy texture; reduce slightly for less sweetness |
| Egg | 1 large | Flax egg works for vegan version |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Almond extract adds extra holiday aroma |
| Frosting of choice | ~2 cups prepared | Buttercream, cream cheese, or tinted icing all work well |
| Holiday sprinkles | ½ cup, assorted colors | Choose themed blends for festive fun |
These staple ingredients likely already sit in your pantry, waiting to become something magical. The beauty of this recipe is flexibility—switch out butter for vegan alternatives, use gluten-free flour without compromising texture, or adjust sprinkle types to match the season. Every variation keeps the spirit of Sugar Cookie Bars alive: simple, colorful, and meant for sharing.
Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Cookie Bars
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Offset spatula for frosting
1. Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the sides to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even texture throughout your bars.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy. This creates the base of the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a little almond extract if you’d like an extra festive touch with your holiday sprinkles.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing will cause toughness.
6. Spread and Bake: Press dough evenly into pan. Bake 18–22 minutes until edges just turn golden. For softer bars, bake slightly shorter; for chewier texture, give them an extra minute or two.
7. Cool Before Frosting: Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
8. Frost and Decorate: Spread your chosen frosting evenly and top with holiday sprinkles while it’s still soft. Press lightly so they stick.
9. Slice, Serve, and Store: Lift the cooled slab from the pan using parchment and slice into neat squares. Store airtight for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to a week. Freeze layers with parchment if preparing in advance.
These straightforward steps define the beauty of Baking 101 Recipes—approachable, reliable, and rewarding. Soft centers, creamy frosting, and sparkling sprinkles make these Sugar Cookie Bars an instant hit at birthdays and holiday parties alike.
Decorating, Serving & Party Presentation Ideas
Frosting and Holiday Sprinkle Magic
The real fun begins when your Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Sprinkles cool and are ready for decorating. Frosting turns these golden squares into edible art, and the sprinkles give every batch its personality. Below are ideas for frostings and toppings that make customization simple.
- Classic Buttercream: Light, creamy, and perfect for tinting any color.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Slightly tangy and rich—perfect for festive gatherings.
- Tinted Icing Glaze: Easy, shiny, and adds delicate crunch once set.
- Whipped Frosting: Airy and best for warm-weather celebrations.
Sprinkle ideas by season:
- Christmas: Red, green, white mixes with silver pearls or snowflakes.
- Valentine’s: Heart-shaped or red-and-pink sugar sprinkles.
- Easter: Pastel confetti or shredded coconut flakes.
- Halloween: Orange-and-black sprinkles, candy eyes, or mini chips.
- Independence Day: Red, white, and blue stars with shimmer sugar.
Decorating is simple fun—spread frosting, sprinkle generously, and let creativity shine. Kids can help, turning your time in the kitchen into part of the celebration. For bday cookies decorated, match sprinkle hues to party themes or use edible glitters for sparkle.
Creative Ways to Serve at Parties or Bake Sales
Presentation takes your Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Sprinkles from sweet to spectacular. Use these easy display and serving tricks to impress guests or charm buyers at Bake Sale Snack Mixes events.
- Festive Shapes: Cut cooled bars using cookie cutters for hearts, stars, or trees.
- Color-Coordinated Trays: Arrange batches by frosting color or theme.
- Mini Servings: Present bite-size squares in paper liners for portion control.
- Gift Wrap: Wrap single bars in parchment with ribbon for handmade gifts.
- Dessert Displays: Stack on cake stands with alternating colors for contrast.
Serving Tips: Keep frosted bars cool before events, use parchment separators for transport, and always make extra—they disappear fast! With minimal effort, these cute easy treats become show-stopping desserts worthy of any spread.
FAQs + Conclusion
Baking FAQs
Can I make Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the base up to two days prior, wrap it tightly, and frost just before serving. The flavor often improves as it rests.
How can I keep the bars from becoming dry?
Avoid overbaking—remove them as edges turn golden. Seal cooled bars airtight to maintain moisture, and frosting helps preserve softness.
What are the best holiday sprinkle alternatives?
Use crushed candies, tinted sugars, or mini marshmallows when sprinkles aren’t handy. Tailor colors and textures to each celebration.
Can I freeze Sugar Cookie Bars with frosting?
Yes, freeze individually or layered with parchment. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator to retain frosting color and texture.
Are these bars better warm or chilled?
Room temperature is ideal, offering a perfect balance between tenderness and frosting stability. Warm for comfort, chill for neat slices—both taste delightful.
Share the Joy One Bar at a Time
Every celebration deserves an effortless dessert filled with charm—and Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Sprinkles fit the bill perfectly. With buttery dough, creamy frosting, and colorful sparkle, they deliver nostalgia and happiness in every bite. Whether brightening birthdays, bake sales, or simple afternoons, these bars thrive as both comfort food and festive favorite.
Convenient and adaptable, they belong among the Best Cakes for Parties and Bake Sale Snack Mixes, showing the simple joy behind true Baking 101 Recipes. So gather your ingredients, bake a tray, and let every sprinkle spread a little delight. Because sometimes, one simple cookie bar can turn any moment into a celebration of sweetness.
