Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

The one thing I hate about making cookies is the fact that you have to putz around making several batches. Wanting something sweet with minimal fuss, I decided to make a batch of sugar cookies - in bar form. Since bars bake differently than cookies, I consulted my friend the Internet for guidance on how to alter a basic sugar cookie recipe and baking times for bars. What really surprised me was the fact that they tasted so much like cookies, which I didn’t expect. Unlike cookies, you have to wait until the bars are cooled entirely before cutting them. That’s probably the only disadvantage.

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

5 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 container vanilla cream frosting

Preheat oven to 375°.  Line a 13-by-9-inch pan with foil.  Spray with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. In another bowl, mix together the flour, salt and baking soda. With the mixer on low, slowly add in the flour mixture, until just combined. Spread the dough into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the bars pass the toothpick test. Allow to cool completely before frosting.