Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars deliver all the flavor of classic sugar cookies without the fuss of rolling or cutting. Thick, soft, and festive with pink glaze and sprinkles, they bake perfectly in a simple 8×8 pan—ideal for sharing at any celebration.

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
2. Step 2: Cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until just combined.
3. Step 3: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix 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 in the pan for 10–15 minutes to help it set.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
7. Step 7: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. Add gel food coloring if desired for a festive touch.
8. Step 8: Lift the cooled bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Spread the glaze evenly over the top and immediately sprinkle with Valentine sprinkles and candy hearts. Slice into 16 bars.

Tips & Variations

• Using an 8×8 pan is key for thick, chewy bars; a larger pan will result in thinner, crispier bars.
• If you prefer, add lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist.
• Try swapping sprinkles for chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for different textures.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature and, if desired, re-glaze before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use a slightly larger or smaller pan, but keep in mind that a larger pan will produce thinner bars that are less chewy, while a smaller pan will make them thicker and potentially more dense.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a vegan butter or margarine, and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk for the glaze. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 130 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars offer the nostalgic flavor of classic sugar cookies in an easy-to-make, thick, soft bar form. No rolling or cutting needed—just bake in an 8×8 pan and top with a festive pink glaze and Valentine sprinkles for a perfect treat to share during the holiday.

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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)

Glaze and Topping

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal of the baked bars.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract just until combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
5. Make the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of Valentine sprinkles for a festive touch.
6. Press Dough into Pan: Press the dough evenly and firmly into the prepared 8×8 pan to form a uniform layer. For best texture, chill the dough in the pan for 10–15 minutes if time allows.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
9. Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and thick. Add pink or red gel food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
10. Glaze and Decorate: Carefully lift the cooled cookie bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Spread the glaze evenly over the top. Immediately sprinkle extra Valentine sprinkles and candy hearts on top before the glaze sets.
11. Slice and Serve: Once the glaze is set, cut into 16 bars and serve.

Notes

• Using an 8×8 inch pan is essential to achieve thick, chewy bars; a larger pan will result in thinner, crispier cookies.
• Allow bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.
• Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading and keeps the bars thick and chewy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Bars
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: 8×8 dessert, chewy cookie bars, easy cookie bars, sugar cookie bars, valentine cookie bars