Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring festive sprinkles and a sweet glaze. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, they offer a soft, chewy texture topped with colorful candy hearts that celebrate the season of love.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in 2 tablespoons of Valentine sprinkles.
4. Step 4: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. If you have time, chill the dough for 10–15 minutes to help it set before baking.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15–20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
6. Step 6: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. Add gel food coloring if using, and mix to your desired shade.
7. Step 7: Lift the cooled bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Spread the glaze evenly over the top, then immediately sprinkle with Valentine sprinkles and candy hearts.
8. Step 8: Slice into 16 bars and enjoy your festive treats!

Tips & Variations

• Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and balance the sweetness.
• If you prefer, swap out Valentine sprinkles for any colorful sprinkles to customize for other occasions.
• Chilling the dough before baking helps the bars hold their shape better and can enhance chewiness.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk in the glaze.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, let refrigerated bars come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit any extra salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting the bars.

How can I make these bars more festive for other holidays?

Simply substitute the Valentine sprinkles and candy hearts with themed sprinkles or toppings that match the holiday or occasion you’re celebrating.

Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

These Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are delightful, festive treats perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Featuring a soft, chewy texture packed with Valentine sprinkles inside and topped with a silky vanilla glaze and candy hearts, these bars combine classic sugar cookie flavors with a vibrant, fun presentation. They are easy to make in a single pan and perfect for sharing.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• 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)

Vanilla Glaze and Toppings

• 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

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang for easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air and contribute to the chewy texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the two large eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until just combined to form the wet base for your dough.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender. Fold in two tablespoons of Valentine sprinkles to incorporate festive color and texture inside the dough.
6. Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the soft cookie dough into the prepared 8×8 inch pan. For best results, chill the dough in the pan for 10–15 minutes if time allows to help maintain shape during baking.
7. Bake the Bars: Bake the dough for 15–20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
8. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting and sliding off.
9. Prepare Vanilla Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thick. Add pink or red gel food coloring if desired to enhance the festive appearance.
10. Glaze and Decorate: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cooled cookie slab from the pan. Spread the vanilla glaze evenly over the top of the bars. Immediately sprinkle Valentine sprinkles and candy hearts over the glaze so they stick well.
11. Slice and Serve: Once decorated, slice the bars into 16 equal pieces and serve as a sweet, colorful treat to enjoy.

Notes

• Chilling the dough before baking helps the bars keep their shape and creates a chewier texture.
• If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk; for a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
• Use whole milk or 2% milk for a richer glaze; alternative milks may alter taste and consistency.
• Ensure the bars are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
• The sprinkles inside the dough add a festive surprise; feel free to customize with your favorite themed sprinkles.
• For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars after glazing until set.

Keywords: Valentine’s Day dessert, sugar cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, festive cookies, Valentine’s sprinkles, vanilla glaze