Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

 1/2 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg + 1 egg yolk

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

1/2 rainbow sprinkles

Vanilla Frosting

3/4 cup unsalted butter

2 1/4 powdered sugar

3 Tbsp heavy cream or half & half

1 tsp vanilla extract

salt to taste

optional: red food coloring and sprinkles

Making the bars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter for about 1 minute on medium speed. Then add the sugar on medium speed until fluffy and light in color. Beat in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Scrape down sides as needed.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3 different parts. Gently fold in sprinkles.

Press the dough into an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan that has been lined with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for 25-26 minutes or until very lightly browned on top. Careful not to overbake. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Making the frosting: If you don't want super thick frosting, halve the recipe. In a stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla on low speed. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes. Add more sugar if frosting is too thin or more cream if frosting is too thick. Add a pinch of salt. Beat in food coloring.

Frost the bars with a thick layer of frosting and decorate with extra sprinkles. Cut into squares.

I found this recipe here. I like this website for desserts. She stresses how to soften your butter and the need to chill cookie dough before baking.

I thought these bars were a bit cake-like but they were really tasty. Our girls loved them because we put sprinkles in them.