Prepare to fall head over heels for the most irresistible Valentine's Day dessert that will make your sweetheart swoon! These sugar cookie bars are not just a treat; they're a love letter baked to perfection. Imagine a soft, buttery canvas topped with dreamy frosting and festive sprinkles that scream romance – this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon for winning hearts and satisfying sweet cravings.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup frosting (for topping)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Smooth the top to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate with Valentine's themed sprinkles, creating a festive and romantic design.
- Cut into 16 equal bars and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- • Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture • Don't overmix the dough – this keeps the bars tender and light • Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation with the butter • Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent a messy spread • Get creative with sprinkle colors and designs to match your Valentine's theme • For extra flavor, try using pink or red-tinted frosting • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise bar cuts • Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
