Valentine Cookie Bars

There’s something special about baking cookie bars that adds warmth to any occasion. The combination of sweet ingredients and comforting textures makes these treats a beloved choice for family gatherings and quiet evenings at home. If you’re looking for a simple recipe to delight your loved ones, look no further. These Valentine Cookie Bars are pure comfort and a perfect way to spread love through the simple act of sharing homemade treats.

These bars boast delightful flavors brought together by a handful of essential ingredients. Picture this: 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar come together in a creamy union, while 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract add a rich depth. The 3 cups of all-purpose flour form the base, alongside 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt that bestow just the right amount of texture. Finally, 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of sweet Valentine’s Day M&Ms bring vibrant color and sweetness. This medley translates into deliciously chewy bars, perfectly balanced with chocolatey goodness and a playful crunch from the M&Ms.

Making these cookie bars is as easy as it is delightful. You’ll start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a 9×13 inch pan lined with parchment paper or foil. The softened butter is beaten until smooth, then combined with both sugars to create a creamy blend. After adding the eggs and vanilla, you’ll mix in the dry ingredients that include flour, baking soda, and salt, folding in the colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips towards the end. With the dough ready, you’ll press it into your pan, topping it with a few extra goodies before baking for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Once cooled, cut into squares, and there you have it—a lovely treat for sharing.

These cookie bars shine bright on many occasions. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon gathering with family, ideal for a sweet treat after dinner, or even great for potlucks when you want to impress without much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Valentine Cookie Bars

• Quick: Ready in under an hour, these bars are the perfect last-minute dessert.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these on hand, making it easy to whip them up anytime.
• Comfort Food: They deliver that nostalgic feel-good vibe everyone loves.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack or dessert, warm or at room temperature!
• Kid-Friendly: Easy to make and fun for kids to help decorate (and eat).

Butter Tips

The star of these cookie bars is undoubtedly the unsalted butter. When selecting butter, opt for high-quality brands that are fresh and have a rich, creamy taste. Using softened butter instead of melted gives the cookies a light, fluffy texture. Make sure to take it out of the refrigerator an hour or so before you begin baking, allowing it to reach room temperature. You want it soft but not oily. This will help the sugars cream together nicely, leading to a light cookie bar that melts in your mouth.

Options for Substitutions

• Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a boost of fiber.
• Butter: Replace with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Sugar: For a healthier option, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
• Eggs: Substitute with flaxseed meals mixed with water for a vegan version.
• Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• M&Ms: Replace with any colorful candy or nuts for variety.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

When baking cookie bars, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid. First, ensure your butter is at the right consistency; if it’s too soft or melted, your bars may turn out greasy. It’s also essential not to overmix the dough after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of delightfully chewy ones. Another point to remember is not to skip lining your pan with parchment paper or foil. This makes cutting and removing the bars so much easier. Lastly, be mindful of baking time; removing them from the oven too early might leave the bars gooey in the center, while overbaking can dry them out.

What to Serve With Valentine Cookie Bars?

These Valentine Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. Another excellent option is to enjoy them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a more festive twist, serve with hot cocoa, especially on cooler evenings, creating a cozy atmosphere everyone will cherish.

Storage Instructions

Store: In an airtight container, these cookie bars will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Freeze: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Reheat: For reheating, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat, or warm them up in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookie bars

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 2,400-2,600
Protein: 30-35g
Fat: 120-140g
Carbohydrates: 330-350g

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup Valentine’s Day M&Ms
• *Reserve some extra chocolate chips & M&Ms to press into the top of the cookie bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or foil, ensuring you leave some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. This should take about 1 minute.

Step 3: Add Sugars and Eggs

Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Cream together for 1-2 minutes until well combined and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step helps to ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t worry if you still see a few flour spots; that’s perfectly fine.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and M&Ms

Add the chocolate chips and M&Ms to the dough, gently folding them in until everything is combined and fully incorporated without overmixing.

Step 7: Press Dough into Pan

Transfer the cookie dough mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Press down gently but firmly. Reserve a few M&Ms and chocolate chips to press into the top for decoration.

Step 8: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The center may look slightly soft but will firm up as it cools.

Step 9: Cooling and Cutting

Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out, then cut them into squares for serving.

Step 10: Enjoy

Serve your beautifully baked Valentine Cookie Bars and enjoy the sweet smiles they bring to your loved ones.

In conclusion, these Valentine Cookie Bars are simply an inviting treat that caters to the warmth of family and friends. They are incredibly easy to make and can be customized however you please. I encourage you to give them a try, share your feedback, and explore other delightful recipes here. Let’s spread the love through food!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

How can I achieve a chewy texture?

Avoid overbaking the cookie bars. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden on top, as they will continue cooking while cooling.

Can I use different candies instead of M&Ms?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the M&Ms with any of your favorite candies, nuts, or even dried fruits for variety.

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