One of my favorite Christmas desserts is sugar cookies. Truth be told, however, I don’t usually have the patience to take the time to make and then decorate a whole batch of them. I’ve seen various recipes for sugar cookie bars floating around, and I loved the idea that they incorporate ease with the classic taste of sugar cookies. Throw in some peppermint frosting, and that sounds like a can’t miss! These turned out just as delicious as I had hoped, and they make for a perfect Christmas party dessert. 

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 can vanilla frosting
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
15 crushed peppermint candies

instructions:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar, until light and fluffy.

Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Beat in the vanilla.

Gradually add in the flour mixture, and beat until combined.

Line a 13 x 9 pan with parchment paper, and lightly coat with cooking spray. Spread the batter evenly in the pan, smoothing out the top.

Bake at 375 for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from the pan, and place on a wire rack to cool.

While the bars are cooling, stir the peppermint extract into the can of frosting, and mix thoroughly. Once the bars have cooled completely, even spread the frosting across the top.

Crush the peppermints in a plastic bag with a rolling pin, and spread evenly over the top of the bars.

Cut into bars, and enjoy!

Adapted from this recipe