Sugar Cookie Bars

Adapted from Authentic Suburban Gourmet, makes 24 large squares

Ingredients

1 cup butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
½ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
Food coloring, if desired
Sprinkles, if desired

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Grease a large rimmed baking sheet. 

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla.

In a separate bowl sift together flour, salt, and baking soda. Slowly add to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Gently and evenly spread out batter on to the prepared sheet.

Bake at 375 F for 10 to 15 minutes, until light golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

To prepare the frosting, in a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and salt. Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until combined. Then add the milk and mix until smooth. The frosting should have a spreadable consistency. Add a few drops of color, if desired. 

Spread frosting over cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles and then cut into bars.

♥  Amy