Cut Out Cookie Bars

I use to love making cookies. Now- not so much. A lot of times I want a finished product fast because I am going somewhere and need to take it along. Most of the time, I am just doing too many other things to fiddle around with a dessert that requires tons of waiting time. Long waiting periods are okay because you can fit a load of laundry or something else in there. But ten minutes is not enough time to do something else.

Well, this "cookie" is one of my favorites of the season but it has been magically transformed into a bar. Way easier. Way rapid. Way yummy. How can you go wrong. Decorate anyway you like and voila, instant hit with the kids... and grownups.

Cut Out Cookie Bars
adapted from this recipe at Anissa's Kitchen

1 cup butter; room temp.
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp soda

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla & mix well. In a separate bowl combine flour, salt & soda & stir with a whisk to combine. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. Spread on a greased baking sheet (use a 13 x 18 pan). Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 min, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely and frost.

Frosting
1/2 cup butter; room temp
1/2 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 Tbsp milk
food coloring (if desired)

For frosting combine butter and shortening until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments until combined, then add milk & mix until smooth and spreading consistency. Spread over cooled cookie