Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Who out there is a sugar cookie addict like moi?
Well, you guys are in for a treat!! Like you, I absolutely buckle at the knees for a super soft, chewy-in-the-center sugar cookie topped with fluffy frosting. SO... when I found this recipe on Pinterest, I figured it would be fun to tinker with a little bit!

I read over the recipe getting the just of what it was all about. Due to my limited pan availability (who owns a 13x18 pan?), I decided to adapt this recipe to fit my space and high maintenance sugar-cookie-snob needs. I wanted to get it just right!

Naturally, I had to find an occasion to test these delectable treats out, so I was overjoyed when I knew I had our weekly friend gathering of what we call Monday Night Family Dinner.

To say they were a hit is a bit of an understatement judging by the overwhelming oohh's and aahh's as my closest friends dug into these scrumptious gems! I brought the leftovers to work today (to avoid eating 1/4 of the 13x9 inch pan myself), and I've already had 2 people come find me in the office to get the recipe... it's 9 a.m. This recipe is a keeper.

So good luck with trying these out... you may have to enter sugar cookie rehab afterward, so just know you've been warned. ;)


{ Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars }

{pic}

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda


Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 - 3 tablespoons of milk (2 Tbl. if you want thick fluffy frosting)
food coloring (optional)
sprinkles (a must!)

__________________________________________

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2) Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.

3) Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low, just until blended, after each addition.

4) Add vanilla until combined.

5) In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.

6) Slowly add dry ingredients while mixer is on low speed.

7) Press the dough into a greased 9x13 inch pan and bake for 15 - 17 minutes.

** Bars should barely be browning on outer edges, but the middle should not look shiny. If shiny, bars are not done yet. **

8) Remove from oven and let cool. Once cool, begin frosting/decorating!

__________________________________________

Frosting Directions:

1. Beat the butter until very fluffy and creamy.

2. Add the vanilla to the butter until combined.

3) Begin to add the powdered sugar to the mixture slowly.

4) Gradually add the 2-3 tablespoons of milk until you reach your desired frosting constancy. I prefer frostings thick and fluffy, not runny, so I used roughly 2 Tbl. milk.

5) Beat frosting on medium high for 2 minutes or so, until frosting is fluffy and looks utterly irresistable.

6) Spread frosting on cooled bars and decorate with sprinkles

7) Chill in fridge for 30 minutes or so to make them easier to cut. A pizza wheel works wonders at cutting these!


.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.


Like I said, don't tell me I didn't warn you! ;)


Bon Appetit!