Valentine Cookie Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cookie Foundation
01 -
1 teaspoon of baking soda
02 -
A small pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon)
03 -
2 cups of regular all-purpose flour
04 -
2 large eggs, cracked and ready
05 -
2 tablespoons of sprinkles meant for mixing in (Valentine-colored)
06 -
1 small spoonful of pure vanilla extract
07 -
A stick of butter left out to soften (1/2 cup)
08 -
1 cup of plain white sugar
→ Toppings
09 -
A container of ready-to-use white frosting (Duncan Hines works)
10 -
1/4 cup Valentine-themed sprinkles for decoration
11 -
About a tablespoon of candy hearts or red M&Ms
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily after they're baked.
02 -
In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, put together all your dry stuff first. Then drop in the butter, eggs, and vanilla, and mix until the dough is soft and smooth. Stir in sprinkles gently so they're nicely spread out.
03 -
Spoon out the dough and press it evenly across the lined baking pan, making sure to fill all the edges. Slide it into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check with a toothpick—it should come out clean when they're done. Let the bars cool all the way before decorating.
04 -
Once cool, spread the frosting over the bars with the back of a spoon or knife. Scatter sprinkles over the top and drop the candy hearts or M&Ms wherever you'd like. Slice them into 2-inch squares and they're good to go.
# Notes:
01 -
If you're in a hurry, grab pre-made cookie dough instead to save time.
02 -
Letting the dough chill for 10-15 minutes can make for more even baking.
03 -
There's room to be creative—try chocolate chips or heart-shaped treats as toppings!
04 -
Don’t frost before the bars are completely cooled, or things will get messy.