Frosted Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars

You've probably seen/tried these at some recent missionary function; they are crazy good.

Frosted Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/2 t almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (I used 4 1/2 cups)
3-5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
food coloring or icing paste


In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer beat the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and egg until nice and frothy. About 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and almond extract and beat for 1 minute more.

In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Mix them around so that all ingredients are well incorporated. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat for about 2 minutes. Press the dough into a large jelly roll (cookie sheet) pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let the pan cool completely.

To make the frosting, in a medium sized bowl (or your stand mixer) combine the butter and cream cheese. Beat for about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and food coloring. Mix for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Frost your pan of cookies. Cut the cookies into bars and serve.

Nanci's notes: I have only used store bought frosting because it is faster and easier and I am lazy, but I am sure the frosting is wonderful.