Introduction

Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert for busy kitchens, festive gatherings, and last-minute Christmas treats. Soft, buttery, and topped with creamy frosting and cheerful sprinkles, these bars deliver all the flavor of classic sugar cookies—without turning on the oven. They’re colorful, nostalgic, and irresistibly fun, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

During the holiday season, oven space is often limited, and time is always short. That’s where no-bake desserts truly shine. These sugar cookie bars come together quickly using simple ingredients, then set up beautifully in the refrigerator. The result is a sliceable, soft cookie base that tastes rich and indulgent, topped with smooth frosting and festive decorations worthy of Santa himself.

These bars are perfect for cookie exchanges, classroom parties, Christmas Eve treats, or leaving out as a fun alternative to traditional cookies. Their bright colors and soft texture make them especially appealing, while the no-bake method ensures stress-free holiday baking.

This detailed guide will walk you through every step of making Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars, along with variations, expert tips, and serving ideas to help you create a dessert that looks magical and tastes even better.

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Ingredients:

For the No-Bake Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups (300 g) crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

• Christmas sprinkles
• Red and green sanding sugar
• Candy shapes (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour

Before starting, heat-treat the flour by microwaving it for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in the crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, heat-treated flour, and salt. Mix until a thick, soft dough forms.

Step 4: Press into Pan

Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Chill the Base

Refrigerate the cookie base for 30–45 minutes, or until firm enough to frost.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cookie base using an offset spatula.

Step 8: Decorate

Immediately top with Christmas sprinkles, sanding sugar, or festive candy shapes.

Step 9: Final Chill and Slice

Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to set the frosting. Lift from the pan and slice into bars.

Variation

🎄 1. Cream Cheese Frosted Bars

Replace half the butter in the frosting with cream cheese for a tangy twist.

🍫 2. Chocolate No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars

Add cocoa powder to the base or drizzle melted chocolate on top.

🍬 3. Peppermint Holiday Bars

Add crushed candy canes to the topping or frosting.

🌈 4. Sprinkle Explosion Bars

Use rainbow or themed holiday sprinkles for different celebrations.

🍪 5. Almond Sugar Cookie Bars

Add a few drops of almond extract for classic bakery flavor.

COOKING Note :

• Always heat-treat flour for no-bake recipes.
• Press the base firmly for clean slices.
• Chill thoroughly for best structure.
• Frost only after the base is fully set.
• Decorate immediately so sprinkles adhere.

Serving Suggestions :

• Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
• Add to Christmas dessert platters.
• Package as edible holiday gifts.
• Serve at classroom parties or bake sales.
• Pair with milk, cocoa, or coffee.

Tips :

• Use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Crush cookies finely for a smooth base.
• Adjust frosting thickness with milk as needed.
• Store bars in a single layer when possible.
• Reapply sprinkles just before serving if needed.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

0 minutes (No-Bake)

Total Time:

20 minutes + chilling time

Nutritional Information :

(Approximate per bar)
Calories: ~260
Protein: ~2 g
Sodium: ~150 mg

FAQs

1. Are no-bake sugar cookie bars safe to eat?

Yes, as long as the flour is heat-treated.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely—make them 1–2 days in advance.

3. Do these bars need to stay refrigerated?

They hold best when chilled but can sit out briefly for serving.

4. Can I freeze sugar cookie bars?

Yes, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.

5. Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, though homemade frosting gives better flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive holiday dream—soft, sweet, colorful, and incredibly easy to make. They capture the nostalgic flavor of sugar cookies with the convenience of a no-bake dessert, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing party treats, or leaving something special out for Santa, these cheerful bars bring joy, flavor, and holiday magic to every bite.