Susan's Sugar Cookie Bars

I love sugar cookies!

I don't love making sugar cookies.

It just takes so long to roll out the dough and cut out all the cookies.

That's why I LOVE these sugar cookie bars!  So much easier and just as delicious.  This recipe is my favorite.  I think it's the almond extract and cream cheese.  I got the recipe from my mother-in-law, who is a fabulous baker.  You will love these!!

Cookies:

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup butter, softened

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 egg

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

2 1/2 cups flour

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (I just use a 16 oz. box)

little bit of milk

1 tsp. vanilla

food coloring (optional)

*Mix butter, cream cheese, sugar, and egg until light and fluffy.  Add extracts and mix for one minute.  Add dry ingredients and mix for a couple minutes.  Press dough into a jelly roll (cookie sheet) pan.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.  Cool completely before frosting. For frosting, mix butter and cream cheese until smooth.  Add the rest of ingredients and mix until smooth.  Frost bars and cut to serve!