Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars

Instructions for Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

Next, add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated. Add the sour cream or yogurt and then the rest of the flour mixture, mixing until smooth and combined. The dough should be thick but spreadable.

Step 2: Bake the Sugar Cookie Bars

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to smooth the top into an even layer.

Bake the dough for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as you want these bars to remain soft and chewy.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, make the frosting by creaming together the butter and powdered sugar in a medium bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the vanilla extract and a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk. Continue mixing until smooth and creamy.

Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, to adjust the consistency of the frosting. If you want it to be firmer, add more powdered sugar; for a softer, creamier texture, add more milk.

Once the frosting is at your desired consistency, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until the frosting turns a lovely pink shade. If you prefer a deeper pink or red, feel free to add more coloring until you get your perfect shade.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate the Cookie Bars

Once the sugar cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or butter knife.

For a festive Valentine’s touch, sprinkle the bars with heart-shaped sprinkles or any other fun decorations you have on hand.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Allow the frosting to set for about 15 minutes before cutting the cookie bars into squares. These Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are now ready to be enjoyed!

Why Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars Are Perfect for Celebrating Love

• Ideal for Sharing: The easy-to-cut squares make sharing simple, so you can spread the love at parties, gatherings, or school events.
• Sweet and Simple: The gentle flavor of sugar cookies paired with creamy pink frosting is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s sweet without being overwhelming.
• Make Ahead Option: You can bake the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The frosting can also be made in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.

Variations You Can Try

While the classic Valentine version with pink frosting is absolutely delicious, there are several ways you can get creative with these bars:

• Chocolate Chip Version: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Citrus Flavor: For a refreshing twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough before baking.
• Decorative Frosting: Use different colors of frosting to create a fun, multicolored heart design for a special touch.
• Coconut Topping: Add shredded coconut on top of the frosting for a bit of texture and extra flavor.

Conclusion

These Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for anyone looking to add a little sweetness to their Valentine’s Day. With their soft, chewy texture and rich, pink frosting, they’re sure to make anyone feel loved and appreciated. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or your sweetheart, these bars are a fun and easy way to spread some joy this February 14th.

So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and make this Valentine’s Day extra special with these delightful sugar cookie bars!