Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)
• 1-3 tablespoons milk
• food coloring, if desired

Directions

1. With a mixer, combine the butter, cream cheese, sugar and egg until nice and smooth.
2. Add vanilla and almond extract and beat 1 minute more.
3. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda; beat for about 2 minutes.
4. Spread or press the dough evenly into a 10 x 15 inch jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Let pan cool completely.
5. For frosting, in a mixer beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
6. Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and food coloring. Beat for about 4 minutes until fluffy.
7. Frost the cooled pan of cookies and cut into bars.