1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Setting the Stage for Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line Baking Pan: Line the bottom of an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars after baking. Lightly grease the sides of the pan and the parchment paper with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

1. Whisk: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Make the Cookie Dough: The Foundation of Sweetness

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Add Sprinkles: Stir in 2 tablespoons of Valentine’s Day sprinkles until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Bake the Cookie Bars: Achieving a Soft and Chewy Texture

1. Spread Dough: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Use a rubber spatula or your hands to press it into an even layer.
2. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Tip: The center may still appear slightly soft, but it will continue to set as it cools.
3. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important to allow them to set properly before frosting.

5. Frost and Decorate: Adding the Festive Finishing Touches

1. Prepare Frosting: If using store-bought frosting, make sure it’s at room temperature for easy spreading. If making homemade frosting, prepare it according to your recipe.
2. Frost Bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using the back of a spoon or a butter knife.
3. Decorate: Decorate the frosted bars with the remaining ¼ cup of Valentine’s Day sprinkles, candy hearts, and/or red M&M’s. Get creative and have fun with the decorations!

6. Cut and Serve: Sharing the Sweetness

1. Cut into Bars: Using a sharp knife, cut the cooled and frosted cookie bars into 2-inch squares or rectangles.
2. Serve: Serve the Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars immediately or store them in an airtight container.