sugar cookie bars

 

makes 3-4 dozen bars

ingredients

for the cookies:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
for the frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
4 cups confectioner’s/powdered sugar, sifted
5 tablespoons milk
food coloring, if desired
sprinkles, if desired

directions

preheat the oven to 375 degrees. grease a 13” x 18” rimmed baking sheet + set aside.
in a stand mixer, or in a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter + sugar on a medium-high speed until light + fluffy. add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition + scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. add in vanilla extract + mix well.
in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, + baking soda. slowly add to butter mixture + mix on a low speed just until combined.
transfer the cookie dough to the prepare rimmed baking sheet + press into an even layer.
bake for 15-20 minutes, until light golden brown + a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
to prepare frosting: in a large bowl or a stand mixer, beat butter on a medium-high speed until light + fluffy. add in the vanilla + salt. add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until combined, then add milk + mix until smooth. tint with a few drops of food color, if desired. spread over the cooled cookie in the baking sheet, decorate with sprinkles if desired, then cut into bars.