Sugar Cookie Bars

Beware: there is absolutely nothing healthy about these bars.  They're full of sugar, butter, and more sugar.  And they're way too delicious.
SO I make a batch and ship them off to my little brother's classroom before I eat the whole pan :)  But believe me, I definitely indulged.  I mean just look.

Recipe from Dinners Dishes and Desserts


Bars
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

Frosting
1 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup whipping cream (or just milk works.. but I mean, you're already using 2 cups butter!)
Food colouring and sprinkles (optional, but not really!)


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a 13 x 9 pan.

In an electric mixer cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each egg.  Stir in vanilla. In another bowl mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda.  With the mixer on low, slowly add in the flour mixture, until just combined. Spread the dough into the prepared baking pan.  Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, a tester should come out clean and the edges should be just beginning to tan a bit. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting cream the butter until fluffy.  Add vanilla, cream, and 1/2 of the powdered sugar.  Continue adding powdered sugar to get to the right consistency.  You might have to adjust the milk or powdered sugar to make it spreadable.  Spread over the cooled bars. (Or you can refrigerate the icing and spread over warm bars.. your call)

Store in the fridge as the icing will melt, but they are definitely best enjoyed at room temperature!