1. Preparation and Oven Setup
Main, I begin by preheating my oven to 350°F. I then take my 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. I secure the parchment with a few binder clips. This step saves me from scrubbing the pan later and makes it easy to lift the entire cookie bar out when it’s done.

2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, I combine ½ cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of white granulated sugar. I beat these on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The reason I do this is that a well-creamed mixture incorporates air, making the cookie bars tender and soft. Next, I add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything blends smoothly.

3. Mixing Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, I whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. I then gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture on a low mixer setting. I’m careful not to overmix; I blend just until the flour is incorporated. Once that’s done, I gently fold in 2 tablespoons of Valentine sprinkles. These little sprinkles add a festive touch and a burst of color to each bite.

4. Spreading the Dough
After the dough is mixed, I transfer it into the prepared baking pan. Main, I press it down firmly and evenly using my hands and a spatula, making sure the dough reaches every corner. Spreading the dough uniformly helps it bake evenly, which is key for soft, chewy cookie bars.

5. Baking
I slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake the dough for 15 to 20 minutes. I keep a close watch on the bars—the edges should turn a light golden brown, while the center might appear slightly underbaked. That’s perfectly fine because the bars will firm up as they cool.

6. Cooling the Bars
When the baking time is complete, I remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential; if I try to frost warm bars, the frosting might melt and won’t set properly.

7. Frosting and Decorating
Once the cookie bars have cooled, I take my white buttercream frosting and spread it evenly over the top using an offset spatula. I love how the smooth frosting contrasts with the golden cookie base. Finally, I decorate the frosted bars with extra Valentine sprinkles, candy hearts, or even a few red M&Ms for an extra festive look.

8. Cutting and Serving
After decorating, I cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. This method always gives me a batch of soft, chewy, and festive treats that are perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day.