Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in all things sweet, soft, and utterly adorable, and these Valentine’s Sugar Cookie Bars check every box! Imagine the buttery richness of a classic sugar cookie, but transformed into soft, chewy bars topped with a creamy frosting that’s just as delightful to eat as it is to decorate. These bars are everything you love about baking—simple, fun, and oh-so-festive. Whether you’re making them for a romantic date night, a family treat, or just because it’s Tuesday and you love cookies, these are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

When I first made these sugar cookie bars, I was instantly hooked. They were such a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies, and let me tell you, skipping the step of rolling and cutting out cookies was a total game-changer. Plus, they’re a dream to decorate, especially when you’re in the Valentine’s spirit with sprinkles galore. Every bite feels like a hug, and the frosting? Don’t even get me started—it’s creamy, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. You’ll want to eat it by the spoonful (I may have done this… no shame!).

Why You’ll Love These Valentine’s Sugar Cookie Bars

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these sugar cookie bars! They’re the perfect treat to whip up in a pinch, yet fancy enough to make any occasion feel special. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Easy to Make: Unlike traditional sugar cookies, you don’t have to chill, roll, or cut out dough. Just press it into the pan and bake.
Soft and Buttery: The cookie base is tender and rich, with that classic sugar cookie flavor you love.
Foolproof Frosting: The creamy frosting is perfectly smooth, spreadable, and easy to customize with colors and sprinkles.
Family-Friendly Fun: These bars are a blast to decorate, making them a great activity for kids or a fun group project.
Totally Festive: With their vibrant colors and Valentine’s sprinkles, they’re the perfect way to spread love (and sugar!).

Picture biting into a bar—soft and buttery on the inside, with a light crunch from the sprinkles on top. They’re so good, you might just want to make two batches: one for sharing and one for keeping all to yourself!

Preparation Time and Servings

You’ll be thrilled to know these bars are quick and simple to prepare. Here’s what you need to know:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 15-20 bars, depending on how you slice them

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Valentine’s Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few festive touches:

For the Cookie Bars

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (adds richness and flavor)
1 cup granulated sugar (for that classic sweetness)
1 large egg (binds everything together)
2 tbsp sour cream (keeps the bars soft and moist)
1 tsp vanilla extract (brings out the best in the cookie flavor)
2 cups all-purpose flour (the base of your bars)
1/4 tsp salt (enhances flavor)
1/2 tsp baking powder (gives a light lift to the bars)

For the Frosting

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (the creamy base of the frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar (creates that smooth, sweet texture)
2 tbsp milk (helps achieve the perfect consistency)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for flavor depth)
Red or pink food coloring (optional, but so fun for Valentine’s!)
Valentine’s Day sprinkles (for decoration and a little crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.

Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing—this keeps your cookie bars nice and tender.

Bake the Cookie Bars
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. If the dough is sticky, use a spatula or lightly dampened hands to spread it out. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake—these bars are best when they’re soft. Let them cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. If you’re feeling festive, add a drop or two of red or pink food coloring and mix until the color is even.

Frost and Decorate
Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Now for the fun part—sprinkle on those Valentine’s decorations! Go as wild or minimal as you like.

Cut and Serve
Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if you used it) and slice them into squares or rectangles. If you’re feeling extra fancy, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for an adorable touch. Serve and watch them disappear!

How to Serve

These sugar cookie bars are versatile and can be served in so many fun ways:

Classic Style: Simply slice into squares and place on a platter.
Heart-Shaped Bars: Use a cookie cutter to create festive shapes.
Layered Presentation: Stack bars on a tiered tray for an elegant touch.

Pair them with a glass of milk for the kids or a steaming cup of tea for yourself. These bars are perfect for dessert, afternoon snacks, or even a little Valentine’s breakfast treat—no judgment here!

Additional Tips for Success

Soften Your Butter: Soft butter creams better with sugar, creating a lighter texture.
Avoid Overbaking: The bars should be just set in the center for that soft, tender bite.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm bars will melt the frosting, so patience is key!
Customize Colors: Add a touch of your favorite color to the frosting for a personal touch.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for maximum freshness.

Variations to Try

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Dairy-Free: Swap out butter for a vegan alternative and use a plant-based milk in the frosting.
Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a zesty kick.
Chocolate Lover’s Edition: Stir mini chocolate chips into the dough before baking.

Storing and Freezing

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Want to freeze them? Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ready to Bake?

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make these Valentine’s Sugar Cookie Bars! They’re a breeze to whip up and bring so much joy to anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these bars are the perfect way to celebrate the sweetest day of the year.

Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creations and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your festive masterpieces! 💕

Valentine’s Sugar Cookie Bars: Sweet, Soft, & Festive! 💕🍪

Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
Total Time: ~1 hour
Yield: 15-20 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Valentine’s Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
For Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
- Valentine’s sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg, sour cream, and vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients and add to wet, forming a soft dough.
Press dough into the pan and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool.
Prepare frosting by beating butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Add food coloring if desired.
Frost cooled bars and decorate with sprinkles.
Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap individual bars and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American