These cookie bars are the perfect treat to use up leftover Valentine’s Day Candy. Can even be made gluten free and vegan with listed substitutions.
Valentine’s Day is such a fun holiday. My hubby and I aren’t as a big on it anymore having been married so long. We’ll have a nice dinner together with the kids usually, but we don’t do the cheesy cards and kitschy gifts. I do, however, look forward to seeing all the pretty pink things in the aisles at the stores. I mean, hues of pink, pretty flowers, hearts, chocolate galore…what’s a girl not to love?!
These bars are based off of my Chocolate Candy Cookie Bars, but made with Valentine’s candy—all the pretty pink, red, and heart-shaped chocolates!
You can really use any chocolate candy you’d like. I used caramel filled Ghiradelli chocolates, along with Reese’s hearts, and colorful m&m’s, among others. Feel free to use your faves, just make sure the combo of flavors go well together. I like adding anything with caramel, peanut butter, or nuts. I also add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to balance out the other sweet chocolate, but it’s totally up to you.
These bars are so yummy! A batch never lasts long and is a great way to use up extra holiday candy! Also homemade treats also make great gifts for your friends and neighbors! Hope you enjoy them!
Valentine Candy Cookie Bars
Description
These cookie bars are the perfect treat to use up leftover Valentine’s Day Candy. Can even be made gluten free and vegan with listed substitutions.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil (can use dairy-free butter)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk of choice or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free measure for measure flour blend
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped Valentine chocolate candy bars or candy pieces, plus more for decorating the top (use dairy-free, if needed)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for top (optional. Use dairy-free if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugars, milk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Add flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring just until combined. Stir in candy and chocolate chips.
- Press cookie dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. May take more time, depending upon the pan you use and your oven.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars and serving. Makes 9–12 bars.
You May Also Enjoy These Similar Recipes:
Chocolate Candy Cookie Bars
Cookie Sandwich Tarts
Linzer Cookies with Strawberry Chia Jam
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