Sugar Cookie Bars

first and foremost, happy 4th of july! i'm proud to be an american today and everyday!

today we plan to relax by the pool, eat, drink, celebrate with friends and do one of my all-time favorite things - light sparklers and watch fireworks!

we will be enjoying the red, white, and blue jello cups as well as flag sugar cookie bars. this recipe is great for any day of the year and can be customized for any holiday or celebration. it's all the goodness of sugar cookies in an easier to make bar form.

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Sugar Cookie Bars
adapted from recipegirl.com
makes 32 bars

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup unsalted butter; at room temperature
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
pinch of salt
4 cups powdered sugar sifted
1/4 cup milk
food coloring, if desired

preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

in the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. add vanilla and almond extracts. in a separate bowl whisk together flour, salt and baking soda. slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed and mix just until combined.

press dough into a well greased 13x8" pan. bake for 11-14 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. let cool completely.

in the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter until smooth and creamy. add vanilla, almond and salt. slowly add powdered sugar (1 cup at a time) until combined, then add milk and mix until smooth and spreading consistency. add food coloring, if desired. spread over cooled bars and refrigerate until ready to cut (i find it easier to get clean cuts if chilled).

source