Valentine'S Cookie Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

• ~2 packs of pillsbury heart sugar cookies (25 for the bottom of the pan and 9 for the top, with some leftovers)
• 16 oz (454g) cream cheese, softened (block style, not spreadable)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp (30g) sour cream, room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• 1 large egg, room temp
• 2 tbsp valentines sprinkles (jimmies) + more for topping
• Optional: whipped cream for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
2. Place the cookie dough into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 9-12 minutes until the cookies are touching and edges look set (don't over bake, it will continue to bake a little with the cheesecake).
4. Let it cool slightly.
5. Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
6. Add in sour cream, vanilla, and flour until combined.
7. Mix in the egg gently on low speed or whisk by hand until just combined.
8. Gently fold in the valentines sprinkles.
9. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled cookie crust.
10. Reduce the oven temp to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes until edges set & center jiggles just slightly.
11. Cool at room temp then chill for at least 3 hrs or overnight.
12. Top with more valentines sprinkles, whipped cream, and more cookies if you'd like.
13. Bake the extra pillsbury cookies according to the package instructions for topping.