Sugar Cookie Bars

I found this yummy recipe at Me and My Pink Mixer. I knew when I saw it, it would be a winner with the “Lost Crew.” Sure enough, it was hit!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday! God bless!

Notes:
Be sure to watch these closely. I slightly over baked mine by about 2 -3 minutes. The next time I make these, I will take them out while a few crumbs still stick to the toothpick.

The frosting is just as yummy as the cookie part of this recipe, but I do think these bars would be great plain, too. When pressed for time, canned frosting will provide a quicker, easier option.

A few drops of food coloring could be added to the frosting for a pretty, colored icing.

Allowing the frosting to dry just a bit before adding the sprinkles will help prevent the sprinkles melting and "staining" the frosting.

I think this would make a great decorated cookie for a birthday party or other occasion. Line the baking sheet with foil, leaving a 2-inch overlap of foil. Coat the foil with baking spray and  spread dough onto foil-lined baking sheet. Cook as directed. When cookie has finished baking, lift it from the baking sheet using the foil. Slide it from the foil onto one of those large, rectangular cake cardboards found in the decorated cake section at stores such as Hobby Lobby or Wal-mart. When cool, frost and decorate!

For a Super Easy Version of Sugar Cookie Bars, press two packages of refrigerated cookies dough, such as Pillsbury or store brand, into the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown and done. Cool. Frost with canned frosting, which can also be tinted. Add sprinkles. Enjoy!

Spoon dough into prepared pan, patting it into place with your hands.
Spritzing your hands with a bit of cooking spray will 
prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.

Watch these carefully! You don't want them to over bake.

This homemade frosting is delectable, 
but if time is short, use canned frosting or leave the bars plain.

Sugar Cookie Bars with Sprinkles
I've yet to meet a child who didn't love sprinkles! 

Sugar Cookie Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 10x15-inch baking sheet with cooking spray.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg.
Add vanilla; mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt and soda; whisk to combine.
Add to wet mixture; mix just until combined.
Spread onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out almost clean.
Cool completely and frost.

Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
decorative sprinkles for garnish

Cream butter and shortening until smooth.
Add vanilla and salt.
Add powdered sugar in one cup increments until combined.
Add milk.
Mix until smooth.
Spread frosting over cooled cookie.
Garnish with sprinkles, if desired.
Cut into squares.