Name: Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy Festive Holiday Dessert
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Christmas sprinkles; Red and green sanding sugar; Candy shapes (optional)

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.

Notes

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.