Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup festive holiday sprinkles (nonpareils or jimmies)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for optional drizzle)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the egg and alcohol-free vanilla extract until they are just combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a thick, uniform dough forms. Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the holiday sprinkles until they are evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Press the entire dough mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set and no longer glossy.
- Step 5: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. If using the white chocolate drizzle, melt the chips and drizzle over the cooled bars. Once the chocolate is set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 24 squares.
Notes
- Store these bars tightly sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze the cut, undecorated bars for up to 3 months for future holiday cheer.
- If the bars have been refrigerated and seem too firm, warm them briefly in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes just before serving to refresh the delightful, buttery texture.
- For the perfect holiday presentation, serve these sturdy squares alongside a steaming mug of spiced cider or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream garnished with extra sprinkles.
- A chef's trick: Fold the holiday sprinkles in quickly with a spatula after mixing the flour, as overworking the dough, especially with jimmies, can cause the colors to bleed when baked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American