Sugar cookies; The traditional dessert in American homes. Served on Christmas night for Santa or for decorating with family. But taking the time to roll out each individual cookie is a time-consuming and tiring activity that can occasionally ruin the fun.

Making these frosted sugar cookie bars is a way to maintain the fun part and classic taste of sugar cookies but save the time of rolling them out.

The sugar cookie bars are buttery, soft and the perfect quick sweet snack.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Bake time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For cookie bars:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon milk

For Cream cheese frosting:

• • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons of milk

Instructions

Cookie bars:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F
2.  Line a 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside
3. Using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until just combined
4. Add egg, milk, vanilla, almond extract and beat well
5. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add salt and flour, then beat for about one minute
6. Transfer the cookie dough to your pan and spread all the way to the edges (The top doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth, it will be covered by frosting)
7. Bake from 20 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the middle is still gooey

Frosting:

1. Place the softened butter and cream cheese in a stand mixer and beat well
2. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract and salt and beat until light and fluffy (For about 3 minutes)
3. Wait until cookie bars are cooled and spread the frosting over in an even layer
4. Add sprinkles (optional) and cut, then enjoy!

Even in a household where sweets aren’t the most popular these cookie bars were gone within days. The cream cheese frosting added complexity to the dish and prevented the cookie bars from being overly sweet.

These easy treats are perfect to quickly satisfy a sweet tooth and you should run and make them now.