Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, *room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar (more or less depending on how thick you want your frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13×18'' half sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray. (Or, cut the recipe in half if using a 9×13'' pan).
2. Add the butter and sugar to a mixing bowl and mix well until light and creamy. Add eggs, beating after each addition. Add vanilla and almond extract and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients into the batter and mix until combined. Spread and press the mixture into the prepared pan.
4. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 12-16 minutes or until the center is set, and the edges are just starting to be golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Once cooled completely, frost and cut into squares.
5. Cream cheese frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and mix. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing well until smooth. You may not need all of the powdered sugar–just add enough to make a good frosting consistency, and taste it to see if you want to add more.
6. Store bars, covered well, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.