Easy Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe for Valentine's Day | A Magical Mess (2024)

If you make sweets and treats for Valentine’s Day, get ready for this easy sugar cookie bars recipe. With just four ingredients, these bars are a breeze to make. The best part is that you can dress them up for any occasion. Just swap the Valentine’s candies for another holiday or color combo.

These cookies are just as yummy as traditional sugar cookies, just in a simple bar form. Save this recipe for easy Christmas sugar cookie bars, a colorful birthday treat, or anything in between.

Delicious Cookie Bars without the Fuss

Fitting to my brand, I’m usually rushing around last minute when it comes to desserts. Recipes like this one are extremely appreciated during unexpected moments – like a surprise visitor or a last-minute gathering.

The simplicity of these sugar cookie bars is often appreciated year round. Just four simple ingredients that you can easily keep in your pantry, and you’re on your way to a batch of scrumptious cookie bars. Perfect for sharing with a neighbor, gifting to a friend, or just treating yourself.

Reasons to Fall for These Cookie Bars

• Quick and Easy: Only four ingredients needed.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from Valentine’s Day to spontaneous get-togethers.
• No Fuss: Forget the rolling pin and cookie cutters; this recipe is all about simplicity.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both adults and kids alike.
• Customizable: Easy to add your own twist with different frostings or toppings.
• Perfect Texture: Chewy, soft, and utterly delicious every time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this sugar cookie bar recipe. The measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Sugar cookie mix (pouch)
• Butter (softened)
• Egg
• Valentine’s Day M&Ms

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8 square baking pan and line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Give the foil a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray and set the square pan aside.

Take the sugar cookie mix and pour it into a mixing bowl. Add in the softened butter and egg. Don’t worry if the mixture feels stiff, that’s just right.

Gently fold in half of the Valentine’s Day M&Ms into the mix. This adds a lovely pop of color and a sweet crunch throughout the cookie bar.

Now, it’s time to get the dough into the pan. Here’s a handy tip: put your hand inside a plastic sandwich bag, spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray, and use it to press the dough evenly into the pan. This keeps things mess-free and ensures a nice, even layer.

Sprinkle the rest of the candies over the top for that extra flavor, texture, and appearance.

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 14 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn a nice golden brown.

Once baked, let the pan cool completely. This is important for getting clean cuts. After it’s cooled, cut your masterpiece into 16 squares and enjoy!

What Else to Serve

For a perfect dessert table, try pairing these sugar cookie bars with some other treats from the blog. Red Velvet Cookies are a great choice. They’re rich and make a nice contrast to the bars.

This Marble Iced Heart Sugar Cookie Recipe is also a good match. They look pretty and taste great. And if you’re looking for more ideas, check out the blog’s list of 85 Desserts for Valentine’s Day. It’s full of tasty options like candies and cupcake treats that go well with the sugar cookie bars.

If you like cut-out sugar cookies, check out these Valentine cow cookies! For more bars, try these salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Different Candies: Swap out Valentine’s Day M&Ms with other seasonal candies. Use holiday-themed candies for Christmas sugar cookie bars or colorful sprinkles for birthdays.
• Frosting Flavors: Instead of M&Ms, try topping the bars with a layer of cream cheese frosting. You can even add food coloring to match the occasion.
• Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Give the bars a zesty twist by adding lemon zest to the dough and using lemon juice in the frosting.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix and gluten-free candies to cater to those with gluten sensitivities.
• Bar Size: Cut the bars into different shapes and sizes. Make them bite-sized for a party or larger for a more substantial dessert.

Storage

To keep these sugar cookie bars fresh, put them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to three months.

Recipe Notes and FAQ

• Pan Lining: Using parchment paper instead of foil makes it easier to lift the bars out for cutting.
• Even Baking: For a perfectly even top, gently tap the pan on the counter before baking.
• Customize Your Batch: These bars are a great base for experimentation. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor twist.

Note: This recipe was originally published January 17, 2018.

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If you enjoyed these simple Sugar Cookie Bars, don’t forget to leave a comment and share the recipe with your friends! Also, be sure to subscribe for more delicious treats and tag me on social media when you make them. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear what you think!