The holiday season brings warmth, family, and sweet treats. My grandmother’s kitchen was famous for its sugar cookies. These treats made every moment special and unforgettable.

Now, you can make those memories without hours in the kitchen. These 4-ingredient sugar cookie bars are perfect for any holiday gathering. They’re easy to make and add festive cheer to your table.

These bars are great for anyone who loves baking or wants a simple holiday treat. They’re easy to make and taste like traditional sugar cookies. They’re perfect for busy parents or anyone who loves nostalgic flavors.

Forget about complicated recipes and long lists of ingredients. These bars are simple and delicious. They’ll make your holiday baking easy and fun. Get ready to make your kitchen a sweet wonderland.

4-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Bars

Astra

These nostalgic sugar cookie bars are soft, buttery, and incredibly easy to make with just 4 basic ingredients. Perfect for holiday gatherings, charcuterie boards, or gifting, they deliver the classic sugar cookie flavor in a no-fuss, bake-and-slice bar form.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings bars

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring Cups
9×13-inch baking pan
parchment paper (optional)
Spatula

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. Frost if desired.

Notes

Customize these bars with different extracts like peppermint or almond, decorate with seasonal sprinkles, or top with buttercream frosting. They freeze well for up to 3 months and are ideal for make-ahead treats.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 5mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.9mg

Keyword 4-ingredient cookie bars, easy Christmas dessert, holiday baking, sugar cookie bars

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Sugar cookie bars are a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies. They make holiday baking easier and quicker. These bars are perfect for your Christmas Party Charcuterie Board.

Think of a dessert that’s like a sugar cookie and a sheet cake combined. These bars are baked in one pan and cut into squares. They’re great for Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas Holidays.

What makes sugar cookie bars special includes:

Simplified baking process
Consistent texture throughout
Faster preparation time
Easy to transport and serve

Traditional sugar cookies need to be shaped and baked one by one. Sugar cookie bars are different. You spread the dough in a pan, bake, and then slice. This makes baking easier and less stressful.

These bars are versatile for holiday gatherings. You can add festive sprinkles, cut them into shapes, or serve them with savory items on a Christmas charcuterie board.

The Appeal of 4-Ingredient Recipes

Holiday baking can feel overwhelming, but 4-ingredient recipes are changing the game. These simple recipes turn Christmas Party Food Ideas into easy culinary experiences. Anyone can master them.

The beauty of minimal-ingredient recipes is their incredible simplicity. When you’re preparing for holiday gatherings or making a Christmas Themed Charcuterie Board, these recipes are lifesavers.

Simplicity in Baking

Minimal ingredient recipes offer several key advantages:

Reduced shopping complexity
Lower risk of recipe mistakes
Faster preparation times
Less kitchen cleanup

Time-Saving Benefits

During the busy holiday season, saving time is key. 4-ingredient recipes let you spend less time measuring and mixing. You can enjoy more time with your loved ones. Whether baking sugar cookie bars or making a festive charcuterie board, these recipes help you work smarter, not harder.

“Simple recipes are the secret to stress-free holiday entertaining” – Professional Pastry Chef

By embracing these easy recipes, you can make delicious treats without feeling overwhelmed. You won’t have to deal with complicated instructions or long ingredient lists.

Making perfect sugar cookie bars for your Easy Christmas Charcuterie Board is easy. You only need four simple ingredients. These ingredients will make a treat that will wow your guests and sweeten your holiday.

These bars are great for more than just Christmas. They’re perfect for your Fall Charcuterie Board too. They bring a homemade charm that store-bought treats can’t.

The Four Essential Ingredients

Let’s look at the main ingredients that make these sugar cookie bars special:

Butter: The base for a soft, rich texture
Sugar: Adds sweetness and a crisp outside
Eggs: Hold everything together and add moisture
Flour: Gives the cookie its classic shape

Why Each Ingredient Matters

Knowing how each ingredient works helps you make the best batch:

Butter adds amazing flavor and a soft texture
Sugar sweetens and gives the bars a golden color
Eggs are key for keeping the bars together
Flour is the foundation of your tasty treats

“Baking is about precision, but these sugar cookie bars are forgiving enough for even novice bakers.” – Professional Baker

Whether it’s for a festive event or to enhance your charcuterie board, these sugar cookie bars are your key to success.

Making sugar cookie bars is simple. They’re great for Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas or a Xmas Charcuterie Board. These treats will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Preparing the Perfect Dough

First, get your ingredients ready and set up your workspace. Here’s how to prepare the dough:

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature
Cream butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well
Slowly add the dry ingredients

Baking Tips for Irresistible Bars

To make perfect sugar cookie bars, pay attention to detail. Follow these important baking tips:

Preheat your oven to 350°F
Use a well-greased baking pan
Spread the dough evenly for even baking
Bake for 20-25 minutes

Baking Technique	Key Tip
Pan Preparation	Line with parchment paper for easy removal
Mixing	Avoid overmixing to keep bars tender
Cooling	Let bars cool completely before cutting

Pro tip for your Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas: Cut these sugar cookie bars into festive shapes or decorate with seasonal sprinkles. They’re perfect for a Xmas Charcuterie Board, adding a sweet touch to your dessert.

Turn your classic sugar cookie bars into festive treats for winter gatherings and New Years charcuterie boards. These treats are perfect for any celebration because they can be customized in many ways.

Add simple yet exciting elements to make your sugar cookie bars stand out at holiday events. The trick is to play with flavors and decorations that fit the season’s mood.

Sprinkle Magic for Festive Flair

Sprinkles are key for making your sugar cookie bars visually appealing. Here are some fun options:

Metallic gold and silver sprinkles for New Years charcuterie board ideas
Red and green holiday mix for Christmas celebrations
Pastel sprinkles for winter birthday parties
Themed color combinations for specific events

Flavor Enhancements with Extracts

Discover amazing tastes by adding different extracts to your sugar cookie bars. Here are some great combinations:

Almond extract for a nutty, sophisticated taste
Lemon extract for bright, citrusy notes
Peppermint extract for a classic winter twist
Vanilla bean paste for intense, rich flavor

When planning your Winter Charcuterie Board Ideas, these sugar cookie bars can be a sweet highlight. Mix sprinkles and extracts to create unique desserts that will wow your guests.

Turn your holiday sugar cookie bars into festive wonders with creative frosting. Frosting is more than taste; it’s an art that makes simple bars look stunning.

A beautifully styled Christmas charcuterie board, capturing the festive spirit of the holiday season. In the foreground, an assortment of savory cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and festive garnishes, such as rosemary sprigs and cranberries, arranged in a visually appealing manner. The middle ground features a variety of crackers, breadsticks, and dried fruit, complementing the flavors of the charcuterie. In the background, a soft, creamy frosting coats a platter of freshly baked sugar cookie bars, adding a sweet and indulgent touch to the scene. Warm, ambient lighting casts a cozy glow, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. The overall composition exudes a sense of holiday cheer and the delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors.

The key to great frosting is the right mix of consistency and flavor. A classic buttercream is perfect for adding holiday flair.

Simple Buttercream Frosting Recipe

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend until it’s smooth and creamy. For your Christmas charcuterie board, try these decorating tips:

Festive Decorating Techniques

Use red and green food coloring for a classic look
Pipe snowflakes for a touch of magic
Add edible glitter for extra sparkle
Try color gradients for a unique look

Pro tip: Frosting works best when it’s at room temperature. This makes spreading and decorating easier.

Frosting Color	Holiday Mood	Recommended Use
Classic White	Elegant Simplicity	Snowscape Design
Red & Green	Traditional Christmas	Festive Patterns
Silver/Gold	Luxurious Celebration	Glamorous Accents

Your frosted sugar cookie bars will be the highlight of any holiday party. They’ll add a special touch to your Christmas charcuterie board.

Keeping your sugar cookie bars fresh is key to their taste and texture. Whether for Christmas Party Food Ideas or a Christmas Themed Charcuterie Board, right storage is vital. It helps keep your treats delicious.

Storing sugar cookie bars needs careful planning. You want to keep them fresh and soft. The goal is to block air and moisture while keeping the crumb tender.

Best Practices for Keeping Bars Fresh

Store at room temperature in an airtight container
Place a piece of bread in the container to maintain moisture
Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking

Freezing Instructions for Longer Shelf Life

Freezing is great for keeping sugar cookie bars fresh longer. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or Christmas party food ideas.

Cool bars completely before freezing
Wrap individually in plastic wrap
Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container
Label with the date and contents
Freeze for up to 3 months

When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for about an hour. This is ideal for make-ahead desserts for your Christmas Themed Charcuterie Board or surprise guests.

Sugar cookie bars are perfect for any event. They make any gathering special. Whether it’s a family get-together or a party for neighbors, these bars will be the highlight.

A platter of festive sugar cookie bars sits on a rustic wooden table, dusted with powdered sugar. The bars have a golden-brown crust and are adorned with vibrant red and green sprinkles, capturing the joyful spirit of the holiday season. Soft lighting from a nearby window casts a warm, inviting glow, while a garland of fresh evergreens and twinkling fairy lights create a cozy, celebratory ambiance. The scene evokes the perfect homemade treat to share with loved ones during intimate holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or casual get-togethers.

These treats can make any occasion unforgettable. Here are some great times to enjoy them:

Holiday Gatherings and Festive Parties

At holiday time, sugar cookie bars are a must-have. They’re great on an Easy Christmas Charcuterie Board, adding sweetness to savory dishes. Their small size is perfect for buffet events, letting guests easily take a bite.

Perfect for Christmas parties
Great for office holiday celebrations
Excellent for family reunions

Gifts and Treats for Neighbors

Homemade treats are a lovely way to share joy. Sugar cookie bars make wonderful gifts for neighbors during fall and winter. Wrap them in festive packaging for a Fall Charcuterie Board-inspired gift that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Packaged in clear cellophane
Tied with seasonal ribbons
Presented on a decorative tray

These sugar cookie bars will always bring smiles and create special memories.

Baking sugar cookie bars can raise many questions, even when you’re making treats for Thanksgiving or Xmas charcuterie board ideas. Let’s look at some common questions home bakers have about these tasty desserts.

Turning your favorite sugar cookie bars into gluten-free treats is simpler than you might think. Here are some top tips for making delicious gluten-free versions:

Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends
Use almond flour for a nutty, rich texture
Try coconut flour for added moisture and flavor
Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free

“The key to gluten-free baking is finding the right flour substitute that maintains the classic sugar cookie bar texture.”

Exploring Alternative Flour Options

When planning your Xmas charcuterie board, you’ll want versatile dessert options. Different flours can change your sugar cookie bars a lot:

Flour Type	Texture Impact	Flavor Profile
Almond Flour	Slightly denser	Nutty undertones
Coconut Flour	More crumbly	Subtle sweet flavor
Oat Flour	Soft and tender	Mild, neutral taste

Pro tip: When substituting flours, you might need to adjust liquid ingredients to achieve the perfect consistency for your sugar cookie bars. Start with small batches and experiment to find your ideal recipe.

Sugar cookie bars are the perfect choice for busy holiday bakers. They require just four ingredients to make a tasty treat. This makes your Winter Charcuterie Board Ideas truly special.

Adding these bars to your New Years Charcuterie Board Ideas will make it stand out. You can customize them with classic sprinkles or unique flavors. This lets you match the bars to your holiday event’s theme.

Baking these bars is more than just making a dessert. It’s about making memories and starting new traditions. You’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday season with your family.

These sugar cookie bars are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re perfect for any holiday gathering, big or small. This recipe makes baking easy and enjoyable.

FAQ

How many ingredients do I need to make these sugar cookie bars?

You only need four essential ingredients for these delicious bars. These include butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. This makes the recipe easy for bakers of all levels.

Can I make these sugar cookie bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flours like almond or coconut flour instead of wheat flour. Just remember to adjust the recipe a bit, as gluten-free flours bake differently.

How can I customize these sugar cookie bars for different holidays?

You can add seasonal sprinkles, change flavor extracts, or decorate with holiday-themed frosting. For Christmas, use peppermint extract and red and green sprinkles. For New Year’s, go for silver and gold decorations. For Halloween, orange and black sprinkles are perfect.

How long can I store these sugar cookie bars?

At room temperature, these bars stay fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.

Are these sugar cookie bars easy to transport to holiday gatherings?

Yes! These bars are great for taking to gatherings. They’re sturdy, don’t crumble, and are easy to cut into squares. Perfect for potlucks, office parties, and family gatherings.

Can I add frosting to these sugar cookie bars?

Definitely! A simple buttercream frosting works well. You can color it for holiday themes or add festive sprinkles. The bars are a great canvas for creative frosting designs.

What variations can I make to the basic recipe?

Try different extract flavors like almond, lemon, or peppermint. Adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit can also create unique variations.

How do I ensure my sugar cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Watch the edges and avoid overbaking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center. Use a light-colored metal pan for even baking, and let them cool completely before cutting.

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Sugar Cookie Bars – 4-Ingredient Holiday Recipe 2025

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