Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Submitted by Ceezie

"Oh I love sugar cookies but they are time consuming so these are the perfect fix for that. I got this recipe from Amanda Cooks Blog - so tasty. Ammend your frosting color to fit the holiday - pastel for Easter, different shades of green for St. Pats etc. Enjoy"

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Yields: 1 pan

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

• FROSTING

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar (I used 4 1/2 cups)
• 3 -5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• food coloring or icing, paste

directions

1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer beat the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and egg until nice and frothy. About 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and almond extract and beat for 1 minute more.
2. In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Mix them around so that all ingredients are well incorporated. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat for about 2 minutes. Press the dough into a large jelly roll (cookie sheet) pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let the pan cool completely.
3. To make the frosting, in a medium sized bowl (or your stand mixer) combine the butter and cream cheese. Beat for about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and food coloring. Mix for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Add or reduce the amount of powdered sugar to get the desired consistency. Frost your pan of cookies. Cut the cookies into bars and serve.