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Cozy Conversation Heart Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe with Easy Vanilla Glaze

conversation heart sugar cookie bars - featured image
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Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars with nostalgic conversation heart candies and a smooth vanilla glaze, perfect for cozy moments and simple indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150g) conversation hearts candies
  • For the vanilla glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk (whole milk recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients in two parts, folding gently to avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in conversation hearts, reserving about a quarter cup for topping.
  7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle the reserved conversation hearts on top, pressing lightly.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at 25 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
  10. Prepare the vanilla glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth; adjust milk for desired thickness.
  11. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars and let set for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

Use softened but not melted butter for best texture. Be gentle folding in conversation hearts to avoid crushing. Check baking time starting at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking. Let bars cool completely before glazing to prevent melting. Bars firm up as they cool and flavors meld after resting a day. Gluten-free flour can be substituted. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, conversation hearts, vanilla glaze, easy dessert, cozy dessert, holiday treat, soft cookie bars

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/cozy-conversation-heart-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe-with-easy-vanilla-glaze/