Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Delight in these festive Valentine’s Day sugar cookie bars, featuring a soft and chewy cookie base topped with creamy, colorful marbled frosting and fun sprinkles. Perfect for celebrating love with a sweet treat, these bars combine classic sugar cookie flavors with a creamy frosting that can be tinted pink and purple for a charming look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Layer
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Frosting
- 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles
- Pink gel food coloring (optional)
- Purple gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cookie Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking. This will make removing the bars after baking easy and clean.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add in the egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt just until the flour mixture is barely visible. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookie bars tender.
- Bake the Cookie Base: Spread the cookie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Note that the center may still look underbaked upon removing from the oven; this is normal as the bars will continue to cook slightly while cooling.
- Prepare Frosting: In a clean large bowl, beat the softened 4 tablespoons butter and powdered sugar until combined. Add the heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, whipping the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
- Color Frosting: For a marbled effect, divide the frosting into two bowls. Tint one with pink gel food coloring and the other with purple gel food coloring according to your preference.
- Frost the Bars: Using spoons or a spatula, dollop alternating colors of frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the colors lightly if desired. Sprinkle the top with Valentine’s Day sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Serve: Slice the bars and serve immediately if you prefer soft frosting, or chill them in the fridge for a bit longer to allow the frosting to set and firm up before serving.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the bars after frosting so the frosting can firm up.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the frosting.
- Ensure the cookie base is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to customize sprinkles to match other occasions or preferences.
Keywords: Valentine's Day, sugar cookie bars, sugar cookies, frosting, sprinkles, dessert, holiday treats, baked bars, marbled frosting
