Rush on Over - Sugar Cookie Bars

I am so in love with sugar cookies, but I so don’t like all the time it takes to make them.   I usually end up buying Lofthouse….because I can.  Is there anyone who doesn’t love a fluffy thick frosted sugar cookie?  Today we made all the goodness of a sugar cookie in a 9 X 13 pan ….work be gone. All you have to do is spread the dough out in one pan, bake and frost. Easy Peasy….no lemon squeasy!   Hmmm… Perhaps you could add a touch of lemon to flavor the dough…will give it a try next time!  
 

Sugar Cookie Bars
Cookies:
2-1/2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour is fine)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 1/2 Tbsp. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/8 cup half and half …milk works fine!
1 tsp. vanilla
Pinch of salt
Several drops of food coloring…your choice!
Directions:
1. COOKIES: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. (The longer you beat it, the fluffier your cookies will be.)
4. Add egg and combine well.
5. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix until completely blended.
6. Slowly add the flour mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Gently press the batter into the greased baking dish and spread out with hands. (If you butter your hands, this will help with the stickiness.)
8. Bake 17-20 minutes, or until edges become lightly golden.
9. Set aside to cool completely.
10. FROSTING: In a medium bowl, cream together butter,cream cheese, powdered sugar, and half and half until light and fluffy.
11. Stir in vanilla and salt, combine well.
12. Add food coloring until desired color.
13. Frost your cooled cookie bars evenly.
14. Cut into squares and serve.