* Sugar Cookie BARS *

We love sugar cookies but I hate how long it takes to cut out and bake each batch--not to mention frosting each one!  Then we found this recipe at Six Sister's Stuff...and it was awesome!  A few of the comments on the original recipe post said their cookie bars turned out dry.  Mine were perfect!  First off, I halved the recipe and cooked it in a cake pan.  I did add a little less flour (a half cup or so less) and baked them for 8 minutes instead of 10.  Also, I had to add a lot more powdered sugar than it called for in the frosting recipe.  Give them a try...you'll be glad you did!

* Sugar Cookie Bars *

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (I used margarine)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Mix in vanilla.  In a separate bowl whisk together flour, salt and baking soda. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. Spread on a greased, rimmed baking sheet (use a 13x18x1" pan/cookie sheet).  The dough will be just like cookie dough- heavy and sticky- so it’s best to spray your hands with a little nonstick spray and use them to help mold the dough into the pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 min, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

* Frosting *
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine or butter, softened
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar (more or less depending on how thick/runny you like it)
A couple of drops blue food coloring (or any other color) to get desired blue color (optional)

Combine all ingredients until well-blended. Spread on top of bars. Top with sprinkles if you want!