Sugar Cookie Bars

These babies solve a lot of problems for me.  I don't really have the patience to roll out cookies and all that jazz, but wow, do I LOVE sugar cookies.  How brilliant for someone to think of making them in bars!  I never would have thought of that!  Thank you, someone!


Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. lemon zest (optional)

Cream butter and sugar until flully.  Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg.  Add vanilla and mix well.  In seperate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda and stir.  Add to creamed mixture and mix until just combined.  Spread on a greased baking sheet (13 X 18 or jelly roll pan).  Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes until light golden brown or until toothpick is clean.  Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, room temp
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla OR almond flavoring
1/4 tsp. salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 tbsp. milk
food coloring, if desired

Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth.  Add vanilla and salt.  Add powdered sugar in 1 to 2 cups increments until combined, then add milk a little at a time (you may not use all of it) until smooth and spreading consistency.  Spread over cooled bars.