MAPLE FROSTED SUGAR COOKIE BARS EASY

 INGREDIENTS

SUGAR COOKIE BARS

 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

 4 oz cream cheese softened

 1 cup granulated sugar

 1 tsp almond extract

 2 eggs large

 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

 2 tsp cornstarch

 1 tsp baking powder

 1/4 tsp salt

MAPLE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

 8 oz cream cheese softened

 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

 3 cup powdered sugar

 1 tsp vanilla extract

 1/4 cup maple syrup

 sprinkles optional

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR THE SUGAR COOKIE BARS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet (9×13 in size, that's at least 1 inch deep) with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray, then set aside.

In a large bowl, soft together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.

Using a stand mixer (or a hand mixer + large bowl), mix together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Keeping speed on medium, add almond extract and 1 egg to bowl, then mix well. Add the second egg, then mix again.

Drop mixer speed to low. Add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the batter, then mix. Repeat this step until all dry ingredients have been used. Be careful not to overmix; stop mixing once batter is smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer.

Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick tester comes out clean with no crumbs.

Allow bars to cool completely in baking sheet.

FOR THE MAPLE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Using a stand mixer (or a hand mixer + medium), mix the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 4 minutes.

Drop mixer speed to low and add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whip until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated, about 2 to 4 minutes. Note: If you’d like thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar, up to a maximum of an additional 1/2 cup.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Once bars are cool, frost them with maple cream cheese frosting. Decorate with festive sprinkles, if desired.

Remove the cookie bar base from the baking sheet (grip the edges of aluminum foil and lift up), then cut bars into desired shape (typically 2-by-2 inch bars).

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

NUTRITION

531KCAL | FAT: 26G | SATURATED FAT: 15G | CHOLESTEROL: 99MG | SODIUM: 154MG | POTASSIUM: 123MG | CARBOHYDRATES: 71G | FIBER: 1G | SUGAR: 51G | PROTEIN: 5G | VITAMIN A: 893% | CALCIUM: 62% | IRON: 1%