THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY CHOCOLATE SUGAR COOKIE BARS: The Sweetest Gesture (No Rolling Pin Required!)

Table of Contents: Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

Remember the joy of baking with loved ones? The flour dusting noses, the sweet aroma filling the kitchen? As life gets busier, finding time for those cherished moments can be a challenge. But this Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars recipe brings back that warmth and simplicity, offering a delightful treat without the fuss of traditional cut-out cookies.

These aren’t just cookies; they’re squares of happiness, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or that special someone this February. Let’s bake some memories!

These chocolate sugar cookies are a delightful twist on a classic, transforming a beloved flavour into an effortlessly elegant dessert. Forget wrestling with dough and meticulously cutting out hearts – these bars are pressed, baked, and frosted, making them an easy Valentine’s baking project even for those who haven’t touched a whisk in years.

They’re ideal for potlucks, after-school snacks, or simply a sweet ending to a cozy evening. And honestly, who can resist a rich, chocolatey sugar cookie, especially when adorned with beautiful Valentine’s decorations? These dessert bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting a Valentine’s Day party, sending a sweet surprise to grandchildren, or just want to brighten someone’s day, these bars are the answer. They’re a beautiful and delicious way to show you care, and the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find recipes for these delicious treats under names like:

* Valentine’s Chocolate Cookie Squares
* Chocolate Sugar Cookie Slab
* Fudgy Valentine’s Bars
* Easy Chocolate Valentine Cookies
Valentine’s Day Brownie Cookies (though these are distinctly cookie* bars!)

For a slightly different take, consider adding a layer of raspberry jam between the cookie base and the vanilla buttercream. This complements the chocolate beautifully and adds a touch of tartness. If you’re looking for another chocolate sugar cookie variation, try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for extra indulgence.

Ingredients: Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

Royal Icing Transfers:

• * 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• * 1 1⁄2 Tbsp. meringue powder
• * 3 1⁄2 Tbsp. water
• * Food dye (gel, not liquid) – pink, red, and any other Valentine’s colours!

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars:

• * 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• * 1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended for a richer flavour)
• * 1⁄2 tsp. salt
• * 1 tsp. baking soda
• * 2 tsp. baking powder
• * 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• * 2 cups granulated sugar
• * 2 large eggs
• * 2 egg yolks, room temperature (adds richness and chewiness)
• * 2 1⁄2 tsp. vanilla extract (use a good quality vanilla for the best flavour)

Vanilla Buttercream:

• * 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• * 3 cups confectioner’s sugar
• * 4 -5 Tbsp. heavy cream (or milk, adjust for consistency)
• * 1⁄2 tsp. vanilla extract
• * 1⁄4 tsp. salt
• * 1 -2 drops purple food gel (optional, for a subtle Valentine’s hue)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Royal Icing Transfers: In a clean, grease-free bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add the water, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 5-7 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form. Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with gel food colouring. Pipe small hearts, flowers, or other Valentine’s designs onto parchment paper. Let them dry completely – this can take 12-24 hours. This is a great step to do a day or two ahead!

2. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

3. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.

4. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step – it’s crucial for a tender cookie!

5. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

6. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

7. Press into Pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. A slightly damp spatula can help with this.

8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs.

9. Cool Completely: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is very important, or the frosting will melt.

10. Make the Vanilla Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, until desired consistency is reached. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. If desired, add a drop or two of purple food gel for a subtle colour.

11. Frost & Decorate: Spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Gently place the dried royal icing transfers on top of the frosting to decorate.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 12-24 hours drying time for royal icing)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes (excluding icing drying time)
Servings: 12-16
Approximate Calories: 350-400 per serving (depending on frosting thickness and decorations)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe works because it balances the richness of the chocolate with the sweetness of the sugar cookie base. The addition of egg yolks contributes to a wonderfully chewy texture, and using softened butter is key to achieving a light and fluffy crumb.

The royal icing transfers add a professional touch without requiring advanced piping skills.

For a truly decadent treat, consider using high-quality cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a deeper, more intense chocolate flavour. If you’re short on time, you can skip the royal icing transfers and simply sprinkle the frosted bars with Valentine’s sprinkles.

This is a great way to make easy Valentine’s baking even faster! These bars are perfect for a simple dessert bars treat. They are truly easy comfort food for family dinners or a special occasion.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftover Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Cut them into individual squares and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: If frozen, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. You can then enjoy them cold, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. For a softer texture, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

People Also Ask: Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

How do you make Valentine’s Day chocolate sugar cookie bars?

Making these Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars is surprisingly straightforward! You start by preparing a rich chocolate sugar cookie dough, which is then pressed into a baking pan and baked until golden brown. While the bars cool, you can create royal icing transfers in Valentine’s shapes like hearts and flowers.

Once the bars are completely cool, you frost them with a creamy vanilla buttercream and decorate with the dried royal icing transfers. The key is to let the icing dry completely before applying it to the frosting, ensuring a beautiful and intact design.

Are these bars easier than cut-out cookies?

Absolutely! These chocolate sugar cookies in bar form are significantly easier than traditional cut-out cookies. Cut-out cookies require rolling out the dough, meticulously cutting out shapes, and transferring them to a baking sheet – a process that can be time-consuming and a little messy.

With these bars, you simply press the dough into a pan, bake, and frost. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who wants a festive dessert bars treat without the extra effort. This makes them a perfect easy Valentine’s baking choice.

What kind of frosting is best for cookie bars?

While you can use various frostings, a vanilla buttercream is the classic and most versatile choice for these Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars. Its sweetness complements the rich chocolate flavour of the cookie base. Cream cheese frosting is another delicious option, adding a tangy twist. However, buttercream holds its shape well and provides a smooth canvas for decorating with royal icing transfers or sprinkles.

Can I add sprinkles to the top?

Yes, absolutely! Feel free to add sprinkles to the top of the frosted bars. Valentine’s-themed sprinkles – hearts, pink and red nonpareils, or glittery sprinkles – are a fun and easy way to enhance the festive look. You can sprinkle them over the entire surface of the frosting or create a sprinkle border around the edges.

Conclusion: Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

I hope you’ll give this Valentine’s Day Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars recipe a try! It’s a wonderful way to spread a little love and sweetness this February. Don’t be intimidated by the royal icing transfers – they’re easier than they look, and the results are so rewarding.

If you bake these, please share your creations with me! I love seeing your photos and hearing about your baking adventures. Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Happy baking, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

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