Easy Valentine's Sugar Cookie Bars! 💕
These Easy Valentine's Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for sharing! With a soft, tender cookie base and a dreamy cherry frosting, topped with festive sprinkles, they are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
Ingredients
For the Delightful Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Dreamy Cherry Frosting
- 16 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 4-6 cups powdered sugar divided
- 6 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 0.33 cup festive sprinkles
Instructions
- For the Delightful Cookie Bars:
- Get Ready: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides – this makes lifting the bars out super easy later!
- Cream It Up: In a spacious mixing bowl or with your stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks wonderfully light and fluffy.
- Add the Goodness: Gently incorporate the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the mixture, beating until everything is smoothly combined.
- Mix the Dry: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
- Combine Forces: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together into a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix!
- Press & Bake: Evenly press the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft!
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool entirely in the pan. Patience here ensures perfect frosting!
- For the Dreamy Cherry Frosting:
- Whip the Butter: In a clean large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened salted butter until it's smooth and creamy.
- Sweeten Gradually: Slowly beat in about 2 cups of the powdered sugar until it's well incorporated.
- Flavor Infusion: Mix in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract until your frosting becomes delightfully creamy and vibrant.
- Perfect Consistency: Gradually beat in the remaining powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, until you reach your desired spreadable consistency. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more cherry juice (a teaspoon at a time).
- Frost Away: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread your beautiful cherry frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate & Serve: Finish with a generous shower of festive sprinkles! Slice into lovely bars and serve. Enjoy your easy, homemade treat!
Notes
These easy sugar cookie bars are a perfect treat for Valentine's Day or any special occasion! They come together quickly and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Tip: Avoid overbaking the cookie bars to keep them wonderfully soft!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Total Carbs: 54 g
- Net Carbs: 53.6 g
- Fats: 19 g
- Protein: 2 g
