Valentine's Sweetheart Cookie Bars
These delightful Valentine's Sweetheart Cookie Bars feature a tender sugar cookie base topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting and decorated with festive candy hearts or sprinkles. Perfect for sharing love and sweetness!
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Candy hearts or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Then, grab an 8x8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes lifting out your delicious bars super easy!
- In a large mixing bowl (or using your stand mixer), beat the softened butter for about 30 seconds until it's wonderfully creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat for another minute until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
- Stir in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is combined. Remember, a gentle hand prevents overmixing!
- Turn off your mixer and gently sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt evenly over the batter.
- Turn your mixer back on to a low speed and mix just until the dry ingredients disappear into the batter. It's important not to overmix here to keep your cookie bars tender!
- Scoop the soft dough into your prepared pan. Use your fingers or a spatula to press it down into an even, flat layer. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with only a few crumbs. Let the bar cool completely in the pan on a wire rack – patience is key for perfect frosting!
- Once your cookie base is cool, it's frosting time! In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and whipped cream cheese together for about 1 minute until they're light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until your frosting is smooth and creamy. If it seems a little too thick, you can add a tiny splash of milk (a teaspoon at a time) to reach your desired spreading consistency.
- Spread the beautiful frosting evenly over your completely cooled cookie bar. Now comes the fun part – decorate with cheerful candy hearts or your favorite sprinkles!
- Slice your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars into 9 squares and share the love!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving): Calories: 431, Total Carbs: 61g, Net Carbs: 60g, Fats: 20g, Protein: 4g. They're best enjoyed fresh, but store any leftovers in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting.
