Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat to share with loved ones. They’re soft, chewy, and easy to make, making them perfect for your Valentine’s celebration. With festive colors and a sprinkle of love, these cookie bars are sure to brighten anyone’s day. Plus, they are easier to cut and serve than traditional cookies, making them a convenient option for gifting or dessert at a party.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 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 and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Valentine’s Day sprinkles
• Pink gel food coloring (optional)
• Purple gel food coloring (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or foil.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing to combine.
3. Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
4. In another bowl, whip the softened butter and powdered sugar until combined.
5. Add the heavy cream and vanilla, whipping until light and fluffy.
6. Divide the frosting into two bowls, coloring one with pink gel food coloring and the other with purple.
7. Frost the cooled cookie bars with dollops of both frosting colors and top with sprinkles.
8. Slice and serve, or chill to set the frosting before enjoying.

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

These cookie bars look best when cut into nice squares or rectangles. Serve them on a colorful plate, and feel free to top each piece with extra sprinkles for that festive touch. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a glass of milk or your favorite hot drink.

How to Store Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips to Make Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t overmix the dough; just combine until everything is incorporated.
• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• If you’re using food coloring, start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired hue.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie bar batter for added flavor and texture. If you want a different frosting flavor, cream cheese frosting or chocolate frosting would also be delicious options.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used instead of butter, but it might slightly change the texture and flavor of the bars.

2. Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cookie bars for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

3. How can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure to check the labels for gluten content in other ingredients like sprinkles.

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