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.
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)
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
