Introduction
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love than with a batch of these delightful Valentine Cookie Bars? Soft, chewy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor, these bars are not only easy to make but also filled with sweet heart-shaped sprinkles that add a playful touch. Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone, these cookie bars will surely warm any heart!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup heart-shaped sprinkles
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the bars from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, along with half of the heart-shaped sprinkles, creating a beautiful mix of flavors and colors.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining heart-shaped sprinkles on top of the dough for a lovely finishing touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn a delightful golden brown.
- Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts to the dough.
- These cookie bars are great for customizing! Swap out the chocolate chips for white or milk chocolate, or even some peanut butter chips if you like!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming butter and sugars together is a crucial step that contributes to the texture of your cookie bars. This process incorporates air into the mixture, lending a light and fluffy consistency to the batter. Be sure to mix until smooth, but avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to keep your bars tender.
FAQ
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust baking time as needed.
Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Yes! Once cooled, cut the bars and layer them between sheets of wax paper before placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
These Valentine Cookie Bars offer a heartfelt way to celebrate love, friendship, or simply the joy of baking. With their rich flavor and vibrant sprinkles, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with others, this recipe is a sweet reminder that love is best enjoyed when it’s homemade. Happy baking!