Name: Frosted Valentine’s Strawberry Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16.5 oz); 2 tablespoons Valentine’s themed sprinkles; 1 cup strawberry frosting (½ a 16 oz tub); 2 tablespoons Valentine’s themed sprinkles

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If you’re dreaming of a delightful treat that bursts with sweetness, a pop of color, and simplicity all rolled into one, then you’re going to adore this Frosted Valentine’s Strawberry Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars combine the soft, buttery texture of sugar cookie dough with a luscious layer of strawberry frosting, all topped off with festive Valentine’s sprinkles that make every bite feel like a celebration. It’s the perfect way to share love and joy, whether you’re treating yourself or surprising friends and family with a charming homemade dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several light beige dough scoops that have a smooth but slightly crumbly texture. On top of the dough scoops, there are colorful sprinkles, mainly pink, red, and white, including small round beads, sticks, and heart shapes. To the top left of the bowl, there is a white cup filled with smooth pink icing. Near the top right, two gold measuring spoons with pink handles, one holding heart-shaped sprinkles and the other empty, rest on the surface. At the bottom right edge, a wooden spoon lies on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible bars. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the texture, flavor, and festive appearance, making the baking process a breeze and the result utterly delicious.

Refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16.5 oz): This is the base of your bars, providing a soft, chewy texture that everyone loves.
Valentine’s themed sprinkles (4 tablespoons, separated): Adds the perfect pop of color and a fun crunch that screams celebration.
Strawberry frosting (1 cup, about half a 16 oz tub): Offers a sweet strawberry flavor that complements the cookie while creating a creamy finishing touch.

How to Make Frosted Valentine’s Strawberry Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later on. Allow the refrigerated sugar cookie dough to come to room temperature, which takes about 15 minutes—this makes it much easier to work with and results in a smoother, even layer when pressed into the pan.

Step 2: Mix in Sprinkles and Press the Dough

Next, fold two tablespoons of the Valentine’s themed sprinkles into the cookie dough. This adds those delightful little bursts of color and crunch inside the bars themselves. Once mixed well, press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring it fills every corner for consistent baking.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Bake your cookie dough layer for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden color around the edges and a firm surface. Once baked, let the cookie bars cool completely right in the pan; this step is crucial so your frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

After the bars are completely cooled, spread the strawberry frosting evenly across the top. This rich frosting adds a creamy texture and sweet strawberry flavor that beautifully contrasts with the buttery cookie base. Finally, sprinkle the remaining two tablespoons of Valentine’s themed sprinkles on top. Allow the frosting to set before cutting the bars into 16 squares, ready for sharing or savoring.

How to Serve Frosted Valentine’s Strawberry Cookie Bars Recipe

The image shows a batch of square cut dessert bars arranged on crinkled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each of the bars has two layers: a golden brown bottom cake layer and a thick, smooth top layer of bright pink frosting that is slightly swirled in texture. The pink frosting is decorated with small heart-shaped sprinkles in red, white, and pink colors evenly scattered on top. A few of the bars are separated from the main group, with none of them being held by a woman's hand. Near the bottom right, there is a small golden measuring cup filled with more of the same heart-shaped sprinkles, some scattered around on the marble surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to take these cookie bars over the top, consider adding fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the frosting. A small drizzle of white chocolate can also add a smooth sweetness and make the presentation extra special and festive.

Side Dishes

These bars shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. For a more indulgent touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream to complement the strawberry frosting perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can make any dessert feel like a gift. Try lining a pretty box or tin with decorative parchment and layer the cookie bars inside for gifting. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter and sprinkle a few extra Valentine-themed decorations around for a beautiful party centerpiece that’s just as tasty as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Frosted Valentine’s Strawberry Cookie Bars Recipe bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cookie soft and the frosting fresh. If you live in a warmer climate, storing them in the fridge is also a good option to prevent the frosting from becoming too soft.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookie bars to enjoy later by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookie bars slightly warm, pop a single piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The frosting will soften slightly, enhancing the strawberry flavor, but be careful not to overheat and melt the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully if you want full control over the ingredients and flavor. Just be sure it’s soft enough to press evenly in the pan before baking.

Is it okay to use a different flavor of frosting?

You can definitely swap the strawberry frosting for vanilla or cream cheese frosting, but sticking to strawberry keeps that lovely theme and balances the sprinkles perfectly.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting during application?

Make sure your cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting. If they’re warm, the frosting can melt and become messy.

Can I double this recipe for a larger pan?

Yes, just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it might take a little longer to bake through.

Are these bars suitable for kids’ parties?

Definitely! The colorful sprinkles and sweet strawberry frosting make this recipe a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, cutting into squares makes serving easy for little hands.

Final Thoughts

This Frosted Valentine’s Strawberry Cookie Bars Recipe is one of those special treats that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Its simplicity combined with a festive flair makes it a perfect dessert for sharing love and smiles. Don’t wait for a special occasion to try them—once you do, these bars will quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.