Sugar Cookie Bars

I still haven’t finished sharing all of the recipes from our Minute To Win It Party waaaaaaaaaay back in June.  For dessert, I served these Sugar Cookie Bars from Annie’s Eats.  Cookie Bars are a great dessert for a crowd, and they are so much easier to throw together than cookies you have to measure or roll out!  These are thick and cake-like, instead of crunchy like some sugar cookies.  The lemon zest makes them extra-special.  Sugar Cookie Bars freeze well too!

Sugar Cookie Bars

recipe from Annie’s Eats
For the cookie bars:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. baking soda

For the frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 5 tbsp. milk
• Food coloring, sprinkles (optional)

To make the cookies, preheat the oven to 350˚ F.   Grease a 13 x 18″ rimmed baking sheet (mine was 12 x 17″).  Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer.  Beat on medium-high speed until light and smooth, about 2 minutes.  Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Blend in the vanilla, seeds from the vanilla bean, and lemon zest.  In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking soda.  Stir together with a fork to blend.  Add the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl and beat on low speed just until incorporated.

Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking sheet and press into an even layer.  Bake 10-15 minutes, until light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting, place the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer.  Beat on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.  Blend in the vanilla, salt, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth, 1-2 minutes.  Mix in the milk.  Tint as desired with food coloring.  Spread over the cookie in the pan, add sprinkles (if using), cut into bars and serve.