Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and nothing quite captures the spirit of love like freshly baked treats. These Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and irresistibly sweet, topped with bright sprinkles that add a festive touch. Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone, friends, or even treating yourself, this bars recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make!

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 gem of a recipe as I was searching for a simpler alternative to labor-intensive cut-out cookies. With the holidays coming up, I wanted something quick yet delightful. These treats are not only beautifully dressed for the occasion but also deliver that classic buttery taste paired with a soft, cookie-like texture. Trust me, once you try this Valentine Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe, it will become a go-to for all your celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep and 15-20 minutes in the oven, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
Irresistible Flavor: Buttery and sweet with delightful hints of vanilla, topped with creamy frosting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Gorgeous pink and red sprinkles make these cookie bars look as charming as they taste.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet everyday snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customize the toppings for dietary preferences or seasonal themes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup white granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a nice crisp texture. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
½ cup butter, room temperature: This adds richness and flavor. Ensure it’s softened to mix easily; don’t use melted butter.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together, giving the bars a luscious texture. Use room temperature eggs for the best integration.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor; pure vanilla extract is recommended for best results.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie bars. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookie bars rise, contributing to their soft texture.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
2 tbsp Valentine sprinkles: Adds a festive touch right into the dough. Use your favorite color or mix of sprinkles!
1 tub Duncan Hines white frosting: Offers a sweet, creamy topping that’s quick and convenient. Feel free to make your own cream cheese frosting!
¼ cup Valentine sprinkles: For decorating the top, making these bars as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
1 tbsp candy hearts and/or red M&Ms: Adds a fun, personalized touch on top of the frosting. You can also use chocolate chips for a twist!

Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture; a well-heated oven helps the bars rise perfectly.

Prepare Pan: Line the bottom of an 8-inch x 8-inch non-stick baking pan with parchment paper. This will ensure easy removal after baking. If you don’t have parchment, lightly grease the pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt. Mixing these thoroughly allows even distribution and proper leavening.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add ½ cup room temperature butter, 1 cup white granulated sugar, and 2 large eggs along with 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until you have a soft, thick dough. It should hold together without crumbling.

Add Sprinkles: Incorporate 2 tbsp Valentine sprinkles into the dough. This step amps up the festive feel and adds a little surprise in every bite.

Spread Dough: Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread it out, pressing gently to create a uniform layer.

Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Frost: Once cooled, take the prepared Duncan Hines white frosting and spread it generously over the top using the back of a spoon or butter knife. Make sure to cover all the edges for maximum sweetness!

Decorate: Sprinkle ¼ cup Valentine sprinkles and 1 tbsp of candy hearts or red M&Ms on top of the frosting, pressing them down slightly to secure. Their bright colors will make the bars look irresistible.

Slice: Cut the cooled and decorated cookie bars into 2-inch squares for serving. Enjoy these visually stunning treats that are sure to win hearts!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to extend their life, refrigerate them for up to a week, though the frosting may firm up a little. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To refresh them after freezing, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator, then allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid tough bars.
Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to facilitate easy blending with the sugar.
Check Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness at around 15 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding almond extract or lemon zest for a unique twist that complements the vanilla.
Make Ahead: These bars can be baked a day in advance. Just wait to frost until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste!

Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars bring a delightful touch to any occasion—not just Valentine’s Day. Their simple preparation and delicious taste make them ideal for sharing with loved ones or indulging yourself. With a rich buttery base and colorful sprinkles, they capture the fun of baking without the fuss. Get creative with your frostings and toppings, and don’t forget to share them with someone special.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! While Duncan Hines white frosting is convenient and delicious, feel free to swap it out for homemade cream cheese frosting or even chocolate frosting for a fun twist.

How do I store these cookie bars?

Store the Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months if you want to save some for later.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily make these cookie bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

What toppings can I use instead of sprinkles?

Feel free to get creative! You can use mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even crushed up candy bars. The key is to choose toppings that will complement the sweet frosting. Enjoy experimenting!

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: No Data
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are a sweet treat for any occasion! Enjoy their irresistible flavor, simple prep, and vibrant decorations. Perfect for spreading love during celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

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 square non-stick baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients.
Add butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms and fold 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.
Use the back of a spoon or butter knife to spread the frosting over the cookie bars.
Top with Valentine sprinkles and candy hearts.
Cut into 2-inch bars for serving.