Sugar Cookie Bars

Traditional roll-out sugar cookies take a lot of work.  There is the mixing and the chilling and the rolling and the cutting.  I'm tired just thinking about it!  Whoever decided to put sugar cookies in a pan was onto something.  This recipe is super easy and provides that delicious frosted sugar cookie taste without all the added work.  Plus, the bars are easy to dress up with different colors of frosting and sprinkles.

SUGAR COOKIE BARS
Adapted slightly from High Heels & Grills

INGREDIENTS - COOKIES
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INGREDIENTS - FROSTING
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 to 4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Several drops of food coloring (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. For the Cookies - Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg and combine well. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix until completely blended. Slowly add the flour mixture and stir until well combined. 

4. Gently press the batter into the greased baking dish and spread out with hands. (If you butter your hands, this will help with the stickiness).

5. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until edges become lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.

6. For the Frosting - In a medium bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar. Add milk to achieve desired consistency and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and salt. Add food coloring until desired color. Evenly frost the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.