Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
- All-purpose flour (2 cups)
- Packed light brown sugar (3/4 cup)
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
- Large egg (1)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- Christmas-themed nonpareil sprinkles (1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your 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, then lightly grease the exposed pan edges.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Fold in the Christmas sprinkles by hand, mixing until they are evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Ensure the dough is flat and covers the entire base without extending up the sides.
- Step 5: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang, and then cutting into squares.
Notes
- For maximum freshness, keep your finished bars stored in an airtight container layered with parchment paper at room temperature for up to four days, or freeze the completely cooled, uncut slab for longer storage.
- While these bars are wonderful at room temperature, you can gently warm individual squares in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for a meltier, "fresh from the oven" feel.
- Serve these festive bars alongside a mug of hot cocoa or coffee, or dress them up beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- To ensure your bars have the perfect soft texture, make sure you cream the butter and sugars for the full 2-3 minutes until they are truly light and fluffy, as this crucial step incorporates air that keeps the dough tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American