Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars

why make this recipe

Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to celebrate love and friendship. They’re easy to make and taste delicious, featuring a soft, chewy texture that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they are colorful and festive, making them great for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply to brighten someone’s day. These bars are fun to bake and can be decorated however you like, making them a versatile dessert option.

how to make Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars

Making Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars is simple and rewarding. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a beautiful batch of sweet treats in no time!

Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
0.5 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp salt
2 Tbsp Valentine sprinkles (to mix into dough)
2 cups powdered sugar
4 Tbsp milk (whole or 2%)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pink or red gel food coloring (optional)
0.25 cup Valentine sprinkles + candy hearts for topping

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy lifting later.
In a bowl, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, and mix until just combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in 2 tablespoons of Valentine sprinkles.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. If you have time, chill the dough for 10–15 minutes.
Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and thick. If you want, add a few drops of gel food coloring to tint the frosting.
Lift the cooled slab from the pan and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Immediately add sprinkles and candy hearts. Finally, slice into 16 bars.

how to serve Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars

Serve the Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars on a festive platter. You can cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These bars are great for parties, as they are easy to grab and eat. Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful treat.

how to store Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars

To keep your Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer—just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

tips to make Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
If you want a chewier texture, do not overbake the bars.
Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles or toppings based on the occasion.

variation

To switch things up, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for a different flavor. You can also use various colored sprinkles depending on the holiday or event.