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Love is in the air, and so is the sweet scent of vanilla sugar cookie bars fresh out of the oven. These Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to share with your sweetheart, your kids, or just to spoil yourself with something pink, sweet, and festive. They bake up soft and chewy with a thick layer of creamy vanilla frosting that’s dyed the prettiest shade of blush pink.

The magic of these cookie bars lies in how easy they are to make. You don’t need any cookie cutters, chilling time, or rolling out dough. It’s a one-pan wonder that still brings all the charm and sweetness of decorated sugar cookies. The bars are sturdy enough to hold up to slicing, yet every bite melts in your mouth thanks to a rich butter base.

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

These cookie bars come together quickly and are perfect for class parties, office treats, or an at-home Valentine’s movie night. The vanilla-almond flavor combo is nostalgic and comforting, and the thick pink frosting can be jazzed up with festive sprinkles. They also store beautifully, so you can make them a day ahead without losing any of their charm.

Can I Use Store-Bought Frosting?

You technically can, but homemade vanilla buttercream really brings the flavor to life. The fluffy, creamy texture complements the dense sugar cookie base perfectly. Plus, you get to control the color and sweetness to your liking. If you’re short on time, go for a high-quality canned frosting and whip it slightly before spreading.

Ingredients for the Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

To get that classic sugar cookie flavor and texture, we’re using pantry staples that yield a buttery, chewy bar and a rich, creamy frosting.

• All-purpose flour: Essential for structure and gives the bars that soft, chewy bite.
• Baking powder: Provides just enough lift to keep the bars from being too dense.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor. Use room temperature butter for the best creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Keeps the cookie bars sweet and soft.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor in both the bars and frosting.
• Almond extract: Optional, but adds a nostalgic sugar cookie taste.
• Powdered sugar: For a smooth and sweet frosting.
• Heavy cream: Gives the frosting its luscious, spreadable texture.
• Food coloring: Pink or red gel coloring for that Valentine’s Day hue.

How To Make the Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This builds the base of your cookie bar dough and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat well until everything is fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate it into the wet mixture, just until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 4: Bake

Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake at 350°F for 20-24 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

Beat together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla and cream, then continue beating until fluffy. Tint with pink or red food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars, then top with Valentine’s sprinkles or sugar pearls. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

How to Store and Serve These Cookie Bars

These sugar cookie bars are perfect served at room temperature. They cut best when chilled but taste best when slightly softened. This recipe yields about 24 bars, depending on how you slice them. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (frosted or unfrosted) for up to a month.

What to Serve With Valentine’s Day Cookie Bars?

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

A creamy mug of cocoa pairs perfectly with the buttery sweetness of the bars.

Strawberry Milk

Kids love this combo, and the colors are a perfect Valentine’s Day match.

Raspberry Coulis Drizzle

For a gourmet twist, drizzle a little tart raspberry sauce over each bar.

Fresh Strawberries and Cream

The lightness of whipped cream and berries makes a nice contrast to the rich cookie bars.

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

Add a little salty crunch alongside these sweet bars.

Heart-Shaped Pancakes for Brunch

Make it a love-themed brunch and serve the cookie bars as dessert.

Sparkling Rosé or Pink Lemonade

For grown-up or kid-friendly celebrations, a pink bubbly drink sets the mood.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Valentine Twist?

If you loved these Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, here are more sweet favorites you can try:

• Ooey Gooey Bars when you crave rich and chewy indulgence.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a fruity, creamy no-bake option.
• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons that pop with color and texture.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for bite-sized decadence.
• Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler when you want a classic, homey dessert.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a different frosting color or add heart-shaped sprinkles? Did the kids help decorate?

I love seeing your spins on my recipes, and if you have questions, I’m here to help you bake something sweet and simple.

Explore beautifully curated dessert ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite!

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