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Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 105 reviews

Chewy Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars combine the classic flavor of sugar cookies with the convenience of avoiding rolling and cutting dough. These thick, soft bars are festively topped with a pink glaze and Valentine sprinkles, baked in a simple 8×8 pan perfect for sharing at any celebration.

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

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy bar removal later.
  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.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt ensuring they are well combined.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of Valentine sprinkles for a festive touch.
  6. Press dough into pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared 8×8 pan. If you have time, chill the pan in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm up the dough for better texture.
  7. Bake until lightly golden: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.
  9. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. Add a few drops of pink or red gel food coloring if desired for a festive look.
  10. Glaze and decorate: Lift the cooled bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Spread the glaze evenly over the top, then immediately sprinkle with Valentine sprinkles and candy hearts to decorate.
  11. Slice and serve: Cut the slab into 16 equal bars. Serve and enjoy these chewy, festive Valentine sugar cookie bars!

Notes

  • Using an 8×8 baking pan is important to achieve thick, chewy bars; larger pans will yield thinner, crispier results.
  • Chilling the dough before baking helps the texture but is optional if you’re short on time.
  • Room temperature eggs and butter ensure smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Gel food coloring is optional but enhances the festive pink glaze.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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

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