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Perfect Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

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Soft, tender sugar cookie bars topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and festive pink sanding sugar, perfect for Valentine’s Day treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (345g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (113g)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (57g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • Pink sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Avoid over-mixing.
  6. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula or lightly floured hands.
  7. Bake for 22-26 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set but still soft to the touch.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Beat together 4 oz softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream, mixing well until spreadable.
  11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and sprinkle with pink sanding sugar or festive sprinkles.
  12. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices to cut the bars into squares.

Notes

Use softened butter (not cold or melted) for best texture. Avoid over-mixing the dough to keep bars tender. Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting. For clean slices, dip knife in hot water and wipe between cuts. Frosted bars can be chilled for 15 minutes before slicing to set frosting. Variations include adding mini chocolate chips or almond extract, and gluten-free or vegan substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: Valentine's Day, sugar cookie bars, frosted cookie bars, easy dessert, cream cheese frosting, homemade treats

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/perfect-valentines-day-frosted-sugar-cookie-bars-easy-homemade-recipe-for-sweet-treats/