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Budget-Friendly Kid-Approved Christmas Sugar Cookie Bark

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This budget-friendly kid-approved Christmas sugar cookie bark has become our family’s official holiday tradition. It’s the recipe my six-year-old asks for by name starting November 1st, and the one I bring to every cookie exchange without worrying about anyone guessing it didn’t cost me a fortune.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
  • ½ cup red and green Christmas sprinkles
  • Optional: ¼ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be stiff.
  5. Transfer the dough to your prepared baking sheet. Using your hands or a rolling pin, press the dough into an even layer that covers the entire sheet, about ¼ inch thickness.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The center should look set but not dark. Let the cookie base cool completely on the pan—about 30 minutes.
  7. While the cookie base is cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then add the milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  8. Once the cookie base is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the surface. Immediately sprinkle the Christmas sprinkles over the frosting while it’s still soft.
  9. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the frosted and sprinkled cookie base using a fork.
  10. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the white chocolate is completely set. Once set, lift the parchment paper to remove the bark from the pan. Break it into irregular pieces with your hands or cut it into squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Don’t overmix the dough. Use room temperature ingredients. Watch the baking time carefully. Let the cookie base cool completely before frosting. Work quickly with the sprinkles. For the smoothest white chocolate drizzle, add a little fat like coconut oil or vegetable shortening.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas sugar cookie bark, budget-friendly, kid-approved, holiday baking, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/budget-friendly-kid-approved-christmas-sugar-cookie-bark/