why make this recipe
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun twist on the traditional holiday treat. They capture the essence of sugar cookies but are easier to make and serve to a crowd. With their soft, chewy texture and delicious frosting, these bars are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, parties, or a cozy dessert to enjoy at home.
Baking these bars can fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Plus, they are highly customizable, allowing you to add colors and decorations that reflect the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these sugar cookie bars are a delightful way to celebrate the season.
equipment needed for Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars
To prepare these delicious cookie bars, you will need some essential kitchen equipment. First, make sure you have a large mixing bowl to combine all your ingredients. You will also need a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best mixing results.
A metal 9×13 baking pan is crucial for baking the bars evenly. Don’t forget parchment paper to make the removal of the cookie bars easy after baking. Additionally, a cooling rack will help in cooling the bars efficiently. Finally, gather measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurement of ingredients.
What You Need to Make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (not baking soda!)
- ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Orange, yellow, and brown food coloring
How to Cook Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars Step by Step
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. If your butter hasn’t been softened yet, you can place it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to slightly soften it. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 20 to 30 seconds.
While keeping the mixer on medium speed, add in 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Once everything is well mixed, add in 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour. Make sure to add the flour in increments of ½ cup while mixing on low speed. This helps to prevent the flour from flying everywhere!
Mix until the flour is just incorporated, which usually takes around 20 to 30 seconds. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to denser bars. The dough should have a play-doh consistency, meaning it should not be very sticky. If it feels sticky, it’s fine; just proceed with the next steps.
Once your dough is ready, take a light-colored metal 9×13 pan and spray it with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s a 2-inch overhang on each long side. This makes lifting the bars out of the pan much easier after baking. Drop the dough into the prepared pan in tablespoon-sized chunks.
Using your hands or a spatula, press down the dough so it spreads evenly across the pan. If the dough gets too sticky, place another piece of parchment paper on top and gently press down. For clean edges, you can fold down the sides of the parchment paper and press the dough.
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 14 to 16 minutes. The secret to soft sugar cookie bars is to remove them from the oven as soon as you see a tiny amount of browning around the edges. The center might look slightly underdone, but that’s perfectly fine, as they will continue to cook in the pan after being removed from the heat.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. To speed up the cooling process, you can place the pan on a cooling rack in the fridge, if desired.
To prepare the frosting, in a medium bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Gradually add in 4 cups of powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until well blended. If the frosting is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency.
For the decoration, divide your frosting into three bowls and color each with orange, yellow, and brown food coloring. Use these colors to create a festive design on top of the cooled sugar cookie bars.
Once you have decorated the bars, allow the frosting to set before cutting. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire sheet out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles according to your preference. When it comes to storage, keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
how to make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars
Making Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars is an enjoyable process that combines measuring, mixing, and creativity. The key is to follow the steps carefully while allowing yourself to have fun with the decorating. Focus on the mixing and measuring stages to ensure you get the right texture for your cookie bars.
It’s best to start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment before you begin. This way, you’ll have a smoother time as you transition from mixing to baking. Once everything is set out, follow the detailed instructions to maximize your enjoyment and minimize stress.
As you bake, take time to cherish the aromas drifting from the oven that indicate the cookie bars are coming together beautifully. This hasty yet sweet process is a reminder of the warmth of family gatherings and festive celebrations.
how to serve Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars
Serving Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars can be an event in itself! To present these delicious treats, consider placing them on a large platter or cutting board. This makes for an inviting display that appeals to guests.
Add some seasonal decorations around the platter, like small pumpkins or autumn leaves, to enhance the festive atmosphere. You can also sprinkle some additional colored icing over the bars or add some fall-themed sprinkles for extra flair.
When serving, be sure to provide a dessert fork or small napkin for easy handling. These bars can be enjoyed as a stand-alone dessert or accompanied by a cup of hot cider or coffee, making them perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving gathering.
what to serve with Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and snacks. For a classic and comforting choice, a warm cup of apple cider or hot chocolate would complement the sweetness of the bars beautifully.
Alternatively, you can serve them with coffee or tea if your guests prefer a caffeine boost. If you want to offer more treats, consider serving alongside some pumpkin pie or pecan pie. The mix of flavors and textures will truly delight your guests.
Another lovely option is to combine the bars with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A scoop of ice cream adds a delightful chill to the warm, chewy bars, creating a fantastic contrast that everyone will love.
how to store Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars
Storing Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars is simple and will help maintain their freshness. After cutting the bars, place them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out or absorbing moisture.
Keep the container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to store them for a longer period, consider refrigerating them. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them sit at room temperature for a bit or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their softness.
If you have extra bars, they can also be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them briefly.
tips to make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars
To ensure your Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before use. This helps in achieving a smooth and creamy mixture.
When measuring flour, use the spoon and level method to avoid adding excess flour, which can make the bars dry. Additionally, resist the temptation to overmix once the flour is added; this helps maintain the soft texture of the bars.
For the frosting, achieving the right consistency is key. If it’s too thick, adding a little milk helps reach the desired spreadable texture. Take your time decorating to make it fun and festive; it can also be a great activity with family or friends.
variation
If you want to customize your Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars, consider adding different flavors or textures. You could mix in chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for variety. This will give an additional bite to the otherwise soft and chewy bars.
Alternatively, you can change the theme by using different colors for the frosting based on any occasion or preference. For Christmas, you might opt for red and green; for Halloween, orange and black would work wonderfully.
For those who prefer a more tart flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon or orange zest in the dough for a fresh twist to the traditional sugar cookie.
best time to make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars
The best time to make Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars would be a day or two before your Thanksgiving gathering. This gives you ample time to prepare and means that your dessert will be fresh and ready for guests to enjoy after the main meal.
Baking them ahead of time also allows their flavors to settle and enhances their taste as they sit. If you’re planning to use a variety of toppings, make sure to wait until just before serving to frost and decorate, ensuring everything remains fresh and visually appealing.
common mistakes to avoid
When making Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars, there are a few common mistakes to watch for. One of the most frequent issues is mistakenly using baking soda instead of baking powder. This can drastically alter the texture of your bars, so double-check your ingredients.
Another mistake is overbaking the bars. Aim to remove them as soon as you see a hint of browning, as they will continue to bake as they cool. Overbaked bars can turn dry and crumbly rather than soft and chewy.
Finally, avoid skipping the cooling time before frosting. If they are too warm, the frosting may melt, ruining the appearance of your bars and making them less enjoyable to eat.
nutritional notes (optional)
While Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars are a sweet treat, it’s good to be aware of their nutritional content. Each bar may be high in sugar and fats, given that they are made with butter and sugar.
Consider portion control, especially during holiday feasts, when indulgence can be tempting. To make them a bit lighter, you could incorporate alternatives such as using less sugar or a butter substitute, though this may alter the traditional texture and flavor.
Always take into account any dietary restrictions of your guests, and consider providing alternatives to ensure everyone can enjoy a delicious treat.
FAQs
What can I do if my cookie bars are too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, you can try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm it up before pressing it into the pan. This should make it easier to work with.
Can I freeze the sugar cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars after cutting them. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
How can I make my frosting stiff enough to decorate?
If your frosting is too soft for decorating, you can add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. Just remember to mix it in gradually until it thickens.
conclusion
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines simplicity and festive cheer. Their soft and chewy texture pairs beautifully with colorful frosting, making them perfect for any holiday occasion.
This recipe not only celebrates the joy of baking, but also encourages creativity with decorations. Whether you’re serving them to family or bringing them to a potluck, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit. Enjoy a slice of the holiday spirit, and happy baking!
