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Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/chewy-valentine-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/