Creating and sharing sweet treats is a fun way to celebrate the love we have for family and friends. This Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars recipe is perfect for expressing your affection in a delicious and unique way. Soft and chewy with a delightful touch of frosting, these bars are easy to make and even easier to share. Imagine cutting them into cute heart shapes or enjoying them with a scoop of ice cream! Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to spread a little sweetness. The vibrant colors of the sprinkles will bring smiles to any gathering. Plus, they require minimal effort, allowing you to focus more on what truly matters—spending time with those you love. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s get started on making some unforgettable Valentine’s Sugar Cookie Bars!
Why This Recipe Works
Creating the perfect Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars requires a delicate balance of flavors and textures. By incorporating both granulated and brown sugars, we achieve a delightful sweetness combined with a chewy base. The addition of cornstarch ensures a tender crumb, making these bars incredibly satisfying to bite into. The frosting adds a luscious layer, elevating them to a treat that’s both festive and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars
These Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. Soft, buttery cookie bars topped with sweet, creamy frosting and colorful Valentine sprinkles make them perfect for celebrating love. They are easy to make and can be cut into any shape, making them ideal for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted Butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated Sugar
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 tsp Almond Extract
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup all-purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
-
1/4 tsp Salt
-
For the Frosting:
- 4 tbsp unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream
-
1 cup Powdered Sugar
-
For Decoration:
- Valentine Sprinkles
Preparing the Perfect Cookie Base
Creaming Together the Butters and Sugars
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key as it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a fluffy texture.
Adding Egg and Extracts
Next, incorporate the egg, almond extract, and vanilla into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth. You’ll notice the mixture becoming rich and aromatic—trust me, it’s going to taste amazing!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Remember, overmixing can lead to tougher bars, so keep it gentle.
Spreading the Batter in the Pan
Carefully spread the cookie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Don’t be alarmed if they look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook while cooling. This step is crucial for keeping that chewy goodness in the end!
Crafting the Creamy Frosting
Beating the Frosting Ingredients Together
While the cookie base cools, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract, heavy whipping cream, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. The key here is to mix well until you have a light and airy frosting.
Assembling the Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars
Frosting the Cookie Bars
Once the cookie base has completely cooled, it’s time to spread the frosting evenly over the top, creating a luscious layer. Use a spatula or a butter knife to give it a smooth finish—your friends will love how it looks!
Adding the Festive Touch
Finally, generously sprinkle with Valentine sprinkles to create a beautiful festive finishing touch. The cheerful colors will make your bars pop and look even more inviting.
Serving Suggestions
These Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion, especially during Valentine’s Day celebrations. Consider cutting them into heart shapes for an extra romantic touch, or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert pairing. Everyone will want a piece!
Tips for Success
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. This small tip makes a big difference!
- Use a silicone spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan and to apply the frosting smoothly; it makes your life easier!
- Don’t overbake the cookie base; it should look a bit underdone to get that chewy texture everyone loves.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, why not try these variations?
- Chocolate Lovers: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist that will blow your mind!
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for extra crunch. This gives a nice contrast to the softness.
- Different Sprinkles: Experiment with various themed sprinkles to suit any occasion. You’d be amazed at how a simple swap can change the mood!
FAQs
-
Can I make these sugar cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. -
How should I store leftover cookie bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Save some for later! -
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked and cooled cookie bars, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving to enjoy that fresh taste. -
What can I use instead of almond extract?
You can substitute almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract or omit it entirely for a more neutral flavor. It still tastes great! -
How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
To keep your frosting firm, refrigerate it before spreading, and serve the bars in a cool environment. This keeps everything looking beautiful.
These Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are not just easy to make; they are a delightful way to express love and creativity in the kitchen. Serve them to your loved ones or bring them to a gathering, showcasing both your baking skills and heartfelt intentions. With each tender bite, you’ll spread sweetness and joy, making any occasion a little bit brighter!
Print
Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars
These Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles. Ideal for celebrating love or sharing with friends and family.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted Butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated Sugar
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 tsp Almond Extract
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup all-purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- Valentine Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Incorporate egg, almond extract, and vanilla into the mixture.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt, then mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Spread cookie batter evenly in the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- For frosting, beat softened butter, vanilla extract, heavy whipping cream, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the cookie base is cooled, spread frosting on top and decorate with sprinkles.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
A silicone spatula helps in spreading the batter and frosting smoothly.
Do not overbake for a chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
