Sugar Cookie Bars

How is even possible my birthday is already here again?!? It seems like yesterday I was celebrating my 24th birthday. I seriously Cannot believe how fast this year has gone. I feel like I have done many things I can be proud of, but I always feel I haven't done enough when my birthday rolls around. I think we all tend to do that. As we get older, we feel like we are running out of time, and we need to make the most of our lives. I always been into setting goals for myself. I have a pretty extensive bucket list in-the-works.

 I am actually getting to fulfill one of the things on my bucket list right now, which is going to Russia and visiting many of the royal palaces. It has always been my dream to go Russia, and I will actually get to be there for my birthday! As a little birthday treat, I decided to go easy on myself. These bars are just like sugar cookies without all of the work. The frosting I chose is very sweet, but it complements the bars perfectly. You can use any kind of frosting you prefer,though. I think these bars are best when they are a little doughy, otherwise they can get on the drier side and a little cakey. They are so simple yet so good. Enjoy!

Cookie bar recipe adapted from: Recipe Girl

You will need: 

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

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet or dish (13x18) .
Spray with non-stick cooking sprayMix together butter and sugar.
 Add eggs one at a time. Finally, add almond extract. 

Add flour, salt, and baking soda. Blend just until combined. 

Press dough into the bottom of the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Be careful not to over-bake, or the bars will become to cakey and dry.

Test bars with a toothpick, to ensure their doneness.
If it comes out clean they are done. Allow to completely cool before frosting.

For Frosting:

3 sticks of salted butter

3 1/2+ cups of confectioners sugar (If you like sweeter frosting add more)

1/8 cup of heavy cream 

2 tsp. of almond extract.

Beat SALTED (it really makes a difference)butter on medium
 speed for 3 minutes until creamy.
Add 1 cup at a time confectioners sugar, and reduce speed until combined.
Beat for another 3 minutes.

Add heavy cream and beat for 5 minutes, or until frosting is fluffy.
Be sure to sample the frosting, to ensure the right taste and consistency. 

Add desired food coloring. 

Spread frosting on cooled bars.

Top with sprinkles

Cut into bars and serve!