Winter Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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These Winter Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and covered in creamy frosting with snowy sprinkles; the perfect treat for cookie trays or holiday parties.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Refrigeration time1

Total Time1 30

Course: Bars and Squares, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bars, Christmas baking, holiday baking, Sugar Cookies, winter

Servings: servings

Calories: 185kcal

Author: Tara Noland

Equipment

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup Greek yogurt room temperature
2 tablespoons milk 2 or 3%
2 large eggs room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract clear is best
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 oz cream cheese room temperature
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup favorite winter-themed sprinkles

Frosting

4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
2 oz cream cheese room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract clear is best
2-3 tablespoons whole milk as needed
3-5 drops food coloring optional
1/4 cup favorite winter-themed sprinkles

Instructions

Cookie Dough

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper or foil, extending the sides over the edges of the pan. Spray lightly with cooking spray; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar for a minute or two, until light and fluffy, scraping the sides of the bowl.
Add in Greek yogurt, milk, eggs, vanilla, peppermint extract and cream cheese, and mix until combined.
In a medium-size bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cornstarch and salt.
Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet mixture until everything is combined. Fold winter-themed sprinkles into the batter.
Press the batter into the baking dish and spread it out evenly with a rubber spatula.
Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until edges barely turn golden.
Remove from oven and allow to cool on a rack, then chill in the fridge or freezer until cooled.

Frosting

Place confectioners’ sugar, butter, softened cream cheese and vanilla into a mixing bowl, and cream together. If the frosting is too thick, add small amounts of milk until it has reached the desired consistency. It should be fluffy and creamy, yet set.
If you wish to color the frosting, add in desired amount of food coloring, a few drops at a time, and mix completely.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cookie bar layer.
Top with winter-themed Sprinkles, as desired.
Trim edges and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

See the post for more information, photos and tips.

Nutrition