Name: Valentine's Day Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); Pink food coloring, optional; Valentine’s sprinkles

Craving something sweet, soft, and impossibly festive for your Valentine’s celebration? These Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect match for your heart-shaped appetite. With their pillowy-soft base, luscious pink frosting, and cheerful sprinkles, they’re guaranteed to make anyone swoon.

Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these bars skip the rolling and cutting without losing an ounce of charm. The thick, buttery base holds up beautifully under a generous layer of vanilla frosting, making them an easy yet eye-catching treat to serve at parties, gift to friends, or just snack on while watching rom-coms.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect cookie bars, having the right tools ensures a smooth baking experience and better results:

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy—this step is key to a tender, soft texture.
9×13 Baking Pan: The ideal size to get the perfect thickness without overbaking the edges.
Offset Spatula: Helps spread the frosting evenly for a smooth, bakery-style finish.
Parchment Paper: Makes it easier to lift out the bars cleanly from the pan.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple for separating dry and wet ingredients for better incorporation.

Using quality tools not only speeds things up but also ensures consistency and ease when it comes time to decorate these festive bars.

Unsalted Butter: The creamy foundation of both the cookie base and frosting.
Granulated Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness and structure.
Eggs: Bind the dough and add richness.
Vanilla Extract: Essential for flavor depth in both cookie and frosting.
All-Purpose Flour: The core dry ingredient that forms the base structure.
Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise evenly and stay soft.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Powdered Sugar: Used for that ultra-smooth, fluffy frosting.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Adjusts the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
Pink Food Coloring: Optional, but brings the Valentine’s spirit alive.
Festive Sprinkles: The final flourish for visual and textural fun.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a tender crumb in your cookie bars.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract one at a time, mixing well between each to ensure a smooth, cohesive batter.

Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13 pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-24 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

Beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk to reach desired texture. Tint with pink food coloring for that Valentine’s touch.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly using an offset spatula. Top with colorful sprinkles, then slice into squares.

Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are best served at room temperature for the softest texture and creamiest frosting experience. They’re perfect on a dessert tray, wrapped as edible gifts, or packed into lunchboxes.

To store, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temp for up to 3 days or can be refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze the unfrosted bars and frost fresh before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. You can also insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re done.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and frost them a day in advance. Just keep them covered to prevent the frosting from drying out.

What if I don’t have food coloring?

No problem! The bars taste just as good without it. The pink is just for the festive flair.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Absolutely. While homemade frosting gives better flavor, store-bought can be a time-saving swap.

How do I cut clean slices?

Chill the frosted bars for about 20 minutes and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Use a larger sheet pan and adjust baking time slightly, watching closely to avoid overbaking.

You might also like the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries if you enjoy fruity, creamy bites. For a handheld dessert, try the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes that swirl sweetly into every bite.

If you’re looking for a different kind of bar, the Elegant Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars offer a tart twist. Or go for the classic combo with Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars for a no-fuss indulgence.

For daily inspiration, follow along on my Pinterest LadyPlate board where I pin new sweet creations all the time.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add extra sprinkles? Try a different frosting? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how yours turns out!