Sugar Cookie Bars (adapted from Together as a Family)

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

4 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk (more or less until desired consistency)

food coloring and sprinkles, optional

Preheat oven to 350 ° F.  Spray a half sheet pan (cookie sheet) with nonstick spray.

With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, and baking soda with a whisk. Add flour mixture to the mixing bowl, a little at a time, and mix until just combined.

Press dough onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 min, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before frosting.

Frosting: Mix butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add vanilla and almond extract.  Add powdered sugar in small amounts until combined, then add milk and mix until smooth.  Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.  Frost cooled cookie bars and cut into large squares.