Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars
Santa’s No Bake Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun and festive holiday dessert that brings all the flavors of classic sugar cookies without turning on the oven. These colorful cookie bars are soft, creamy, sweet, and packed with holiday cheer. They are perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or a simple treat to enjoy with hot chocolate.
This easy no bake Christmas dessert combines a buttery cookie base with a smooth frosting layer and festive sprinkles. Since they require minimal preparation and no baking time, they are a great recipe for busy holiday schedules. Kids and adults will love helping decorate these adorable Santa inspired sugar cookie bars.
Ingredients List
For The Cookie Bar Base
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups crushed sugar cookies or vanilla cookies
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk if needed
For The Frosting Layer
Ingredients Needed
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and white food coloring optional
For Decoration
Ingredients Needed
- Holiday sprinkles
- Red and green sugar decorations
- Mini chocolate chips or candy pieces optional
Serving, Prep Time, Cooking Time, Calories
Recipe Details
Serving
12 to 16 bars
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
0 minutes
Chilling Time
2 to 3 hours
Calories
Approximately 250 calories per serving
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick And Easy Holiday Dessert
These no bake sugar cookie bars come together quickly without baking, making them ideal for last minute Christmas treats.
Perfect For Christmas Celebrations
With festive colors and decorations, these bars look beautiful on holiday dessert tables and party trays.
Kid Friendly Recipe
Children can easily help mix ingredients, spread frosting, and decorate the cookie bars with colorful sprinkles.
Soft And Creamy Texture
The combination of crushed cookies and creamy frosting creates a deliciously soft dessert that melts in your mouth.
Great Make Ahead Treat
You can prepare these bars ahead of time and store them until you are ready to serve them.
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare The Cookie Base
Step One
Line an 8 by 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step Two
Crush the sugar cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
Step Three
Mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes moist and combined.
Step Four
Press the cookie mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to create an even base layer.
Make The Creamy Frosting
Step One
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Step Two
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract gradually while mixing until the frosting becomes fluffy.
Step Three
Divide the frosting and add food coloring if creating a Santa themed design.
Assemble The Sugar Cookie Bars
Step One
Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cookie base.
Step Two
Decorate the top with holiday sprinkles, candies, or festive sugar decorations.
Step Three
Cover and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until firm.
Step Four
Remove from the dish, cut into squares, and serve chilled.
Variations To Try
Chocolate No Bake Cookie Bars
Easy Variation
Add cocoa powder to the cookie base and use chocolate frosting for a rich chocolate holiday dessert.
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Festive Flavor Twist
Mix crushed peppermint candies into the cookie base or sprinkle them on top for a refreshing Christmas flavor.
Santa Hat Cookie Bars
Holiday Decoration Idea
Use red frosting and white frosting details to create Santa hat designs on each individual bar.
Gluten Free Version
Simple Adjustment
Use gluten free sugar cookies and confirm all ingredients are gluten free for a holiday friendly option.
Freezing Or Restoring
Freezing Instructions
How To Freeze
Place the prepared bars in an airtight freezer safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thawing Instructions
Move the bars to the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store Santa’s No Bake Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving Again
Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a softer texture.
Recipe Notes
Helpful Tips
Use Fresh Ingredients
Softened cream cheese and butter create a smoother frosting texture.
Chill Before Cutting
Make sure the bars are fully chilled before slicing to get clean and even pieces.
Customize Decorations
Use different sprinkles, candies, and colors to match your holiday theme.
Keep Refrigerated
Because of the cream cheese frosting, these bars should always be stored cold.
Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars
Course: Banana Bread Recipe12-16
servings20
minutes250
kcalIngredients
For The Cookie Base
2 cups crushed sugar cookies or vanilla cookies
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk if needed
For The Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and white food coloring optional
For Decoration
Holiday sprinkles
Red and green sugar decorations
Mini chocolate chips or festive candies optional
Directions
- Prepare The Cookie Base
- Line an 8 by 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Crush the sugar cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Combine cookie crumbs, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and the mixture holds together.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to create an even layer.
- Refrigerate the base for at least 30 minutes to help it set.
- Make The Frosting
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract gradually. Mix until the frosting becomes fluffy and well combined.
- Add food coloring if desired to create a festive Santa themed look.
- Assemble The Bars
- Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cookie base.
- Add holiday sprinkles, candies, or decorations on top.
- Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened before mixing for a smooth frosting texture.
Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean and neat slices.
You can use homemade or store bought sugar cookies for the base.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Add extra sprinkles or candy decorations to make them more festive for Christmas parties.
FAQs
Can I Make Santa’s No Bake Sugar Cookie Bars Ahead Of Time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them one or two days before your holiday event and store them in the refrigerator.
Do These Sugar Cookie Bars Need To Be Refrigerated?
Yes, refrigeration helps keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and maintains the best texture.
Can I Use Store Bought Sugar Cookies?
Yes, store bought sugar cookies work perfectly and make this recipe even faster.
How Long Do No Bake Sugar Cookie Bars Last?
They can last up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I Change The Decorations?
Absolutely. You can decorate them with any Christmas sprinkles, candies, or colored frosting you like.
Conclusion
Santa’s No Bake Sugar Cookie Bars are a simple, delicious, and festive dessert that makes holiday baking easier. With a buttery cookie base, creamy frosting, and colorful decorations, these bars are guaranteed to become a favorite Christmas treat. Whether you are preparing desserts for a party, gifting homemade treats, or enjoying a cozy holiday night at home, this no bake recipe is a perfect choice.
