Sugar Cookie Bars

Sometimes you just don't have time to bake several dozen cookies!  This recipe makes 32 bars which is great because they all get done at the same time.  Topped with what I call bakery icing makes this just right!  Bakery icing has shortening and butter, butter cream just has butter (duh, I know).  I am a sucker for icing especially those two!  I could care less about the whipping cream icing and if it's around I count it a blessing because it means I am not in the least bit tempted!

This cookie bar is nice and soft and has an almost shortbread taste to it.

Shortening gets a bad wrap.  People are scared of it but really they have improved it over the years!  It's not the shortening/lard your Grandmother used, it has alot more water in it which makes it lighter.  I buy the large can at Sam's but then I buy everything large at Sam's and still can't seem to keep it around! 

Here is what you will need for the cookie part...oops I forgot the vanilla! 

Anytime I know someone is going to Mexico I always have them pick me up some vanilla. 

When I run out I can always find this at Wal Mart in the hispanic aisle!  It's about $1.54 and doesn't have that gross imitation taste to it!  It taste like pure vanilla! 

Cream the sugar and butter until fluffy

Nice and fluffy!

Add the 4 eggs 1 at a time

Add flour a little at a time

Slightly grease cookie sheet...this is just some crisco you could use butter

Spread dough out to the edges of the cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes

Let cool completely so that when you put the icing on it doesn't melt! You can even place in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to cool.

Icing

What you will need

Cream butter and shortening together then add vanilla

add pinch of salt, powder sugar 1 cup at at time alternating with milk and mix until smooth

Spread icing on to cookie

I love this view ;)

with just a simple blackberry

Perfection!

Sugar Cookie Bars

COOKIES:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter; at room temperature
1/2 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. milk
food coloring, if desired

 Cookie Bars:

 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 & baking soda. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined.

Spread on a greased, rimmed baking sheet (use a 13 x 18 pan).  The dough will be just like cookie dough.

Bake at 375 degrees for 15 min, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

 In a large bowl, beat butter and shortening together until smooth and creamy. Mix in vanilla and salt. Add powdered sugar (1 cup at a time) until combined, then add milk & mix until smooth and spreading consistency.  Spread over cooled cookie, then cut into bars.  Add fresh fruit, sprinkles or whatever you want!

Yield: 32 bars