Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars (Print Version)

Buttery sugar bars topped with creamy strawberry frosting, ideal for a sweet celebration.

# Components:

→ Sugar Cookie Bars

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Strawberry Frosting

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, crushed to powder
11 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
12 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
14 - Pink or red sprinkles for decoration, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to overhang sides for easy bar removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
06 - Transfer dough to prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula, ensuring uniform thickness throughout.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack in the pan.
08 - In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Add sifted powdered sugar, freeze-dried strawberry powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until well combined.
09 - Add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, beating until frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
10 - Spread prepared frosting evenly over completely cooled cookie base. Add sprinkles if desired.
11 - Using a sharp knife, cut frosted bars into 16 equal squares. Serve immediately or store as directed.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Naturally Flavored: Real freeze-dried strawberries provide a vibrant color and authentic fruit taste.
  • Easier than Cookies: No rolling or chilling required—simply press the dough into a pan and bake.
  • Perfect Texture: A soft, melt-in-your-mouth base paired with silky smooth buttercream.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Yields 16 generous bars, making it ideal for Valentine's Day parties or bake sales.
02 -
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a perfectly smooth dough and fluffy frosting.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Remove the bars from the oven when the edges are just barely golden; they will continue to set as they cool.
  • Clean Cuts: For the neatest squares, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan before slicing with a sharp knife.
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