Picture this: the soft, chewy texture of your favorite sugar cookie, baked into one easy sheet pan bar. Now, swirl in a generous helping of festive red and green sprinkles. You’ve got a dessert that’s pure, uncomplicated holiday cheer on a plate. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special but is honestly so simple to pull together. Perfect for slicing up and sharing at any gathering. And let’s be real, is there anything more joyful than a dessert that’s literally bursting with color?
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Baking Recipe
You’re going to adore these cookie bars for so many reasons. First, there’s no fussy scooping or chilling dough. You just press it into a pan and bake. It’s a total timesaver during the busy holiday season. Second, they are incredibly forgiving. Even if you’re a total beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is hard to mess up. The flavor is a classic, crowd-pleasing vanilla that both kids and adults go crazy for. And the festive look? Instant holiday spirit. They deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. So good.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – for a rich, tender base.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – to sweeten and create that perfect chew.
- 2 large eggs – to bind everything together and add structure.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – for that warm, classic cookie flavor.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of our cookie bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – gives the bars a little lift so they’re not too dense.
- ½ teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- ¾ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies work best) – for that iconic festive cheer!
Step-By-Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the bars out later a total breeze.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer. You want it to be light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for the perfect texture!
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix!
- Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles with a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spatula to press it into an even layer. A little tip: lightly wet your fingers to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown and the center looks set. The bars will still be soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. Seriously, wait until they are fully cool before you try to slice them. Use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out onto a cutting board, then slice into squares.
Equipment Needed
You likely have everything you need already! A standard 9×13 inch baking pan is essential. An electric hand mixer or a stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar easier, though you can absolutely do it by hand if you’ve got the muscle. You’ll also need mixing bowls, a whisk, a spatula for folding, and a wire rack for cooling. That’s it!
Flavor Twists for Extra Festivity
Want to jazz these up even more? You can easily add a half teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a deeper, nuttier flavor. For a fun, minty twist, swap the vanilla for peppermint extract. You could even fold in a half cup of white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for extra texture and holiday flavor. Honestly, my personal favorite is sticking with the classic vanilla—it’s just so nostalgic and perfect.
Storage Tips for Leftover Cookie Bars
If you somehow have leftovers, these bars store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever that cookie craving hits.
Serving Ideas & Pairings for Holiday Gatherings
These bars are a superstar on any dessert table. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for the kids or a hot cup of coffee or cocoa for the adults. For a Christmas party dessert spread, place them next to a platter of other simple Christmas desserts like fudge or truffles. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday brunch menu. And if you’re looking for Christmas food ideas that travel well, these are perfect for cookie exchanges or for gifting to neighbors and teachers.
Doneness Test for Perfect Results
The key to perfect, chewy bars is not overbaking them. The edges should be lightly golden and firm to the touch. The center will still look a little soft and might even jiggle slightly when you shake the pan—that’s exactly what you want! It will continue to cook from residual heat as it cools. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
Creative FAQs About Red & Green Sprinkle Cookie Bars
- Q: Can I use a different type of sprinkle?
A: You bet! For the best results, I recommend using sprinkles often called “jimmies.” They hold their color and don’t bleed into the dough as much as some finer sprinkles. Feel free to use any color combo for other holidays, too! - Q: My dough is really sticky. What did I do wrong?
A> You likely didn’t do anything wrong! This is a soft dough. Just make sure your butter was properly softened, not melted. And lightly wetting your fingers before pressing it into the pan will solve any sticking issues. - Q: Are these bars a good make-ahead option for holiday treats?
A: Absolutely. They are one of the best easy Christmas treats for making ahead. Bake them a day or two before your event; their flavor and texture actually improve as they sit. - Q: Can I make these bars if I don’t have a mixer?
A: Of course! Use a sturdy wooden spoon and some good old-fashioned elbow grease to cream the butter and sugar. It might take a few extra minutes, but it works perfectly fine.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these Red & Green Sprinkle Cookie Bars are guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your kitchen this season. They prove that the best holiday desserts don’t have to be complicated—just made with a little love and a lot of sprinkles.