Valentine's Cookie Bars (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup room-temp butter, softened
03 - 1 cup granulated white sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 2 tablespoons Valentine sprinkles for dough
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Decoration

09 - 1/4 cup Valentine sprinkles for topping
10 - 1 tablespoon red M&Ms or candy hearts
11 - 1 tub Duncan Hines white frosting

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. It’ll make lifting the bars out way easier.
02 - Mix your dry ingredients in a large bowl first. Then toss in the eggs, butter, and vanilla, and stir until you’ve got a smooth dough. Add the sprinkles last and gently mix them in until they’re spread throughout.
03 - Press the dough into the prepped pan, smoothing it out to fill every edge. Bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick in the middle comes out clean. Cool it down fully before jumping into decoration.
04 - Spread the frosting over the cooled bars with a butter knife or spoon. Sprinkle on some Valentine sprinkles, then place candy hearts or M&Ms on top. Slice into 2-inch squares and serve.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Save time by using store-bought sugar cookie dough if you're in a rush
02 - Chilling the dough for about 10 minutes can help bake evenly
03 - Customize your toppings! Try chocolate chips or heart-shaped decorations
04 - Wait until the bars are completely cool before frosting, so it doesn’t melt everywhere.