Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

 

Ingredients

• Sugar Cookie Bars
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Frosting
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
• holiday sprinkles

Instructions

Sugar Cookie Bars
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.
Line a 9×13 inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease, or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract and eggs.
In a separate bowl sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt.
Carefully beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture about 1/2 at a time.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, and with lightly greased hands press it into the pan to form an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until the top is set and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the bars completely, leaving them in the pan as they cool.
Frosting
Beat the butter until soft, then mix in the cream cheese.
Add in the salt and vanilla extract
With the mixer on low speed beat in the powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, until the desired sweetness and thickness is reached.
Frost the cooled cookie bars, then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.