Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temp
• 2 oz (56g) cream cheese, room temp
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temp
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1 2/3 cups (210g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed (don't pack it in)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter, room temp (for the frosting)
• 1 1/2 (180g) cups powdered sugar (for the frosting)
• 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency) (for the frosting)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla (for the frosting)
• Pinch of salt (for the frosting)
• + christmas sprinkles for topping (for the frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175 °C) and grease/line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Then, add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and mix until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently mix into the dough just until combined.
5. Spread evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until the edges are set or a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean/with a few moist crumbs.
7. For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then mix in the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth and spreadable. Spread over cooled bars and decorate with christmas sprinkles.
8. Chill briefly if you want clean slices.