Sugar Cookie Bars

Happy Valentine's Day!  I love this holiday, even if it is a fake holiday, possibly created by greeting card companies. I mostly like it because it's official colors are pink and red.  And because there are flowers and chocolate.  I like it even when I don't have a Valentine, because it serves as a good excuse to "treat yo'self."  I decided to treat myself to some sugary goodness (I shared with my coworkers too of course).  These sugar cookie bars are all the deliciousness of a sugar cookie with a fraction of the effort.  They are so easy to whip together and they look so pretty.  Your valentine, or maybe just you, will love them!

Hope you all have a wonderful day, full of love and appreciation of your friends and family! xoxo Kelsey

Sugar Cookie Bars

From The Baker Chick


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

Vanilla Frosting
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 Tbsp half and half
1 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
Several drop food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a quarter sheet pan OR a 13" x 9" baking dish, set aside.

In a mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt, set aside.

Using an electric mixer, whip together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy about 2-3 minutes. Mix in egg and egg white. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix until blended. (mixture may be a little lumpy at this point.)

With the mixer running on low, slowly add dry mixture and stir until just combined. Scoop dough into prepared pan, and use an off-set spatula to gently spread it to the edges. (Use your hands to gently press if needed.  Mine was a bit crumbly, so needed a little extra pressing.)

Bake 15-18 minutes or until the middle is slightly firm and the edges are lightly golden.

Cool completely, then frost and cut into squares.

Vanilla Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, whip together butter and powdered sugar until thick. (Mixture will seem dry.) Add half and half a little at a time until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and salt. Add in optional food coloring and mix until well blended.