Santa’s no-bake sugar cookie bars

Here is a detailed, step-by-step recipe for Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars. These are soft, sweet, and festive with a creamy frosting and holiday sprinkles.
Makes 16–20 bars.

---

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated; see step below)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Red or green food coloring (optional)

Topping

• Christmas sprinkles

• Mini candy canes, chopped (optional)

• Holiday-themed candies (optional)

---

Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour

Since these are no-bake, the flour must be heat-treated.

Oven method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Spread flour evenly on a baking sheet.

3. Bake for 5–7 minutes until it reaches 165°F internally.

4. Let cool completely before using.

Microwave method:

1. Place flour in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until it reaches 165°F.

3. Cool completely.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Base

1. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.

4. Add cooled heat-treated flour and salt.

5. Mix until combined.

6. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until dough becomes soft but not sticky.

The texture should resemble soft sugar cookie dough.

---

Step 3: Press Into Pan

1. Transfer dough into the prepared pan.

2. Press evenly into the bottom using hands or the back of a spoon.

3. Smooth the top.

Place in refrigerator for 30–45 minutes to firm up.

---

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. Beat softened butter until smooth.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.

3. Add vanilla and 1 tablespoon milk.

4. Beat until creamy and spreadable.

5. Add additional milk if needed for smooth texture.

6. Add food coloring if desired and mix until evenly colored.

---

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

1. Spread frosting evenly over chilled cookie base.

2. Immediately add sprinkles and decorations before frosting sets.

3. Press sprinkles lightly so they stick.

---

Step 6: Chill and Slice

1. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to fully set.

2. Lift out using parchment paper.

3. Cut into squares with a sharp knife.

4. Wipe knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

---

Storage

• Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 5 days.

• Can be frozen up to 2 months.

• Let sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture.

---

Tips for Best Results

• Butter must be softened but not melted.

• Fully cool flour before mixing.

• Do not skip chilling before slicing.

• For cleaner slices, freeze 20 minutes before cutting.

---

Optional Variations

Funfetti Version:

• Mix 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles into the dough before pressing into pan.

Chocolate Drizzle:

• Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Substitute half the butter with softened cream cheese for tangy frosting.