Valentine’s Day brings out the romantic in everyone, and what better way to celebrate than with a sweet treat that combines the whimsy of sugar cookies with the ease of a bar? Our Valentine Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe is here to turn your love for baking into an act of affection. These cookie bars are soft, sweet, and delightfully decorated, transforming a simple dessert into a festive celebration. The texture is chewy yet slightly crisp around the edges, making each bite a lovable experience that’s inviting for everyone.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine Sugar Cookie Bar

I first discovered this recipe during a cozy February afternoon, when I was browsing for easy desserts to share with friends. The beauty of these bars struck me immediately; they looked like they belonged in a bakery display! The heartfelt charm and simplicity of whipped frosting and cheerful sprinkles make these bars perfect for school parties, cozy gatherings, or simply as a sweet gesture to brighten someone’s day. Trust me, they’ll have everyone feeling the love, and they’re so easy to whip up—your friends won’t believe you made them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepped in just 10 minutes, they’ll be on your table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: Soft, sweet, and buttery, these bars melt in your mouth.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Adorned with festive sprinkles and candy hearts, they’re a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or treat for any gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Substitutions can easily cater to various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup white granulated sugar: Sweetness is the centerpiece of these bars. Granulated sugar is ideal for achieving the perfect texture.
½ cup butter (room temperature): Butter adds richness and moisture. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter.
2 large eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, adding structure. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation for a more authentic taste.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your bars, contributing to their delightful chewiness.
1 tsp baking soda: This helps the bars rise and maintain a fluffy texture; don’t substitute it!
¼ tsp salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
2 tbsp Valentine sprinkles: These fun sprinkles add a pop of color in your dough.
1 tub Duncan Hines white frosting: Saves time on frosting; however, you could make homemade frosting for a special touch.
¼ cup Valentine sprinkles: Extra sprinkles for a festive top layer.
1 tbsp candy hearts and/or red M&Ms: These add a cute touch and a chewy texture to the finished bars.

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures balanced cooking while your dough is prepared.

Prepare Baking Pan: Line the bottom of an 8-inch x 8-inch non-stick baking pan with parchment paper. This step keeps your cookie bars from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl (or using a stand mixer), combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly is key to evenly distributed flavor and texture.

Blend in Wet Ingredients: Add ½ cup room temperature butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. This should take a couple of minutes; a few lumps are fine.

Fold in Sprinkles: Carefully fold in 2 tbsp Valentine sprinkles. This adds a fun touch to the dough and makes it visually exciting!

Spread Dough in Pan: Pour the dough into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Try to get it into the corners—this ensures every bit gets that delicious buttery flavor.

Bake to Perfection: Bake the bars for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars should smell wonderful and look springy.

Cool Completely: Once baked, allow your cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential; they need time to firm up before frosting.

Frost the Bars: Take your tub of Duncan Hines white frosting and use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to spread it evenly over the top of the cooled cookie bars. This will add a creamy, sweet layer.

Decorate with Sprinkles: Top the frosted bars with ¼ cup Valentine sprinkles and 1 tbsp candy hearts or red M&Ms. This makes them festive and inviting—perfect for your celebration!

Cut and Serve: Finally, slice into 2-inch bars for serving. Each piece is perfect for sharing, or keeping them all to yourself!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Valentine sugar cookie bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. If you’re thinking ahead, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To thaw, just place them in your fridge overnight, and for a lovely warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your butter is room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smoother dough.
Avoid overmixing once you add the flour; this keeps your bars tender.
For extra flavor, consider adding almond extract or lemon zest to the dough.
If the bars seem too soft after baking, give them a bit more time in the oven.
Want to get creative? Substitute frosting with melted chocolate for a different flavor twist!

These Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to be a sweet addition to any celebration. Their delightful taste and adorable appearance make them a memorable treat. Feel free to experiment with toppings or flavors—the possibilities are endless!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different kind of frosting?

Absolutely! While Duncan Hines white frosting is convenient, you can use homemade frosting or any store-bought frosting, such as chocolate or cream cheese varieties, to suit your taste.

How do I know if the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you have to bake them longer than 20 minutes, check every couple of minutes to avoid overbaking.

Can I make these sugar cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the fridge, tightly wrapped. Just bake them fresh before you plan to serve to ensure they’re soft and delicious.

What can I use as a substitute for eggs?

If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 ripe mashed banana for each egg. These substitutes will maintain moisture, although the texture may vary slightly.

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Valentine Sugar Cookie Bar is a delightful treat, featuring a soft and sweet cookie base topped with creamy frosting and vibrant sprinkles. Perfect for celebrating special moments, it’s easy to prepare and will surely please anyone with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

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1 cup white granulated sugar
½ cup butter room temperature
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp valentine sprinkles
1 tub duncan hines white frosting
¼ cup valentine sprinkles
1 tbsp candy hearts and/or red m&ms

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line the bottom of an 8 inch x 8 inch non-stick baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine dry ingredients. Add butter, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in Valentine sprinkles.
Spread the dough evenly into the baking pan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare the frosting and decorating ingredients.
Spread frosting over the top of the cookie using the back of a spoon or a butter knife.
Top with Valentine sprinkles and candy hearts.
Cut into 2 inch bars for serving.

Notes

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.