My favorite cookies in the world are sugar cookies but I rarely make them because of the time and effort it takes to chill the dough, roll it out and cut them with cookie cutters. I love a soft, chewy cookie with a yummy cream cheese frosting. I found this recipe online and shouted for joy when I discovered all I had to do was make the dough, press it in the pan and bake. They are moist and delicious. You will love them.

Sugar Cookie Bars
adapted from BreeAnn Frankhauser

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 tsp. vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp lemon or orange zest

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs mixing well. Add vanilla. In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda and stir with a whisk to combine. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. Spread on a greased baking sheet (13X18 jellyroll pan). Bake at 375 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean (they don't look done so do the toothpick test) Cool completely and frost.

Frosting
1/2 cup butter
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla OR almond extract
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 Tbsp milk
3-4 drops food coloring

Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments until combined, then add milk a little at a time and mix until smooth and spreading consistency. (You may not need all the milk). Spread over cooled cookie bars. Printable recipe