Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable version)

Buttery sugar cookie bars topped with creamy strawberry frosting, ideal for sharing on special days.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 cream
12 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
14 - Pink or red sprinkles, for decoration

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Evenly spread dough into prepared baking pan using a spatula.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Do not overbake.
08 - Allow to cool completely in pan on a wire rack before frosting.
09 - In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, strawberry powder, vanilla, and salt; beat until combined.
10 - Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time, beating until frosting reaches creamy, spreadable consistency.
11 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled cookie bars. Apply sprinkles if desired.
12 - Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife. Serve immediately or store as directed.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The freeze-dried strawberry powder gives real fruit flavor without any watery mess or overpowering tartness.
  • You can make these ahead and freeze them unfrosted, which means less stress on busy days.
  • They're vegetarian-friendly and perfect for sharing with almost anyone at your table.
02 -
  • Overmixing the dough after adding flour is the most common mistake—stop as soon as you don't see white streaks, even if you think it needs more beating.
  • Freeze-dried strawberries ground into powder give you strawberry flavor without the moisture that regular fresh or frozen berries would add, which would make frosting separate or become grainy.
03 -
  • Sift your powdered sugar even though it feels like an extra step—it eliminates lumps and makes the frosting spread like silk without any grainy texture.
  • Keep your knife warm and wet when cutting the bars by dipping it in hot water and wiping between each slice, which gives you clean edges instead of jagged ones.
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