Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create a soft texture.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookie bars.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise slightly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened – Makes the frosting rich and creamy.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Creates a smooth sweet frosting.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk – Adds a silky texture.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- Pink food coloring – Gives the frosting a festive Valentine’s look.
- Valentine’s sprinkles – For a fun and colorful finish!
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
3️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4️⃣ Press & Bake
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using your hands or a spatula.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center is still soft.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely before adding the frosting.
5️⃣ Make the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Pour in heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla extract, then beat until light and fluffy.
- Add a few drops of pink food coloring, mixing until the color is evenly blended.
6️⃣ Frost & Decorate
- Spread the pink frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars.
- Sprinkle with Valentine’s sprinkles for a fun and festive touch.
7️⃣ Slice & Serve
- Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or rectangles.
- Serve and enjoy your sweet, buttery, and beautiful Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars!
Notes
✅ Chill the Dough for Thicker, Chewier Bars – Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes before baking for a denser texture.
✅ Use Different Colors – Swap pink for red, purple, or white frosting depending on the occasion.
✅ Add a Flavor Twist – Try adding ½ teaspoon almond extract to the dough or frosting for a more complex flavor.
✅ Make Mini Bars – Cut the bars into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats—perfect for sharing!
✅ Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle white or dark chocolate over the frosting for extra decadence.