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Cozy Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These sugar cookie bars offer a quick and easy holiday treat with a tender, buttery base topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive gatherings and last-minute baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole milk recommended)
  • Optional: a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and optional nutmeg or cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  5. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, checking at 25 minutes for lightly golden edges and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare frosting: Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed, then add milk and beat until light and fluffy.
  11. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
  12. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for best texture. Add powdered sugar gradually to avoid a sugar cloud. Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. For neat edges, use a sharp knife and wipe clean between cuts. Bars keep well at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerated longer. Can freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, easy baking, Christmas cookies, festive treats

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/cozy-holiday-sugar-cookie-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-christmas/