Sugar Cookie Bars

FAST and EASY. 
These cookie bars can be made and out of the oven in 30 minutes (this doesn't include frosting them) 
Whenever I need a home run recipe I call my friend Wendy.  She always has the best recipes.  For some reason, I burn cookies all the time now.  I get busy doing things and don't hear the timer.  (mine is quiet) 

Sugar cookies are delicious but a time commitment.  This is a quick way to satisfy the sugar cookie craving.  You'll also be a hit at every party you take these to.


Sugar Cookie Bars
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups of  sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 tsp, vanilla
5 cups of flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp lemon or orange zest

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs and mix well.  Add vanilla.  In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda and stir with a whisk to combine.  Add to wet mixture just until combined.  Spread on the bottom of a greased baking sheet (8 x 13 jelly roll pan)  OR we have grown to like the thickness of the cookie bars with a 10.5 x 14.75 cake pan.

Bake 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes.  Until toothpick comes out of the center clean or it's a golden brown color.  They won't look done so the toothpick test has worked the best for us. 

Cool Completely and frost.



FROSTING
1/2 butter softened
4 oz. cream cheese softened
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract  ( I LOVE 1 tsp almond and 1/2 tsp vanilla)
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups of powdered sugar
5 Tbsp milk
3-4 drops of food coloring

Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.  Add vanilla and salt.  Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments until combined, then add milk a little at a time and mix until smooth and spreading consistency.  You may need a little more milk.  Spread over cooled cookie bars.  Sprinkles are always a good idea.