Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x9 baking dish with a parchment paper “sling”. Spray with baking spray (Baker’s joy or generic version). Set it aside.

Step 2

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch and baking powder. Set it aside.

Step 3

Using a medium size mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on high speed, beat the softened butter for 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the granulated sugar, vanilla and almond extract, and continue beating for 1 to 1 ½ minutes, until fluffy.

Step 5

Lower the mixer speed to low, and add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each egg.

Step 6

Increase the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, beating well after each cup just until well incorporated.

Step 7

Add in the sprinkles, and mix just until combined.

Step 8

Evenly spread the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until just golden, and a toothpick inserted comes away clean.

Step 9

Allow the cookie bars to completely cool.

Step 10

Using a medium size mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter, clear vanilla and almond extract for 1 minute.

Step 11

Lower the mixer speed to low and add the powdered sugar ½ cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream. Once all powdered sugar and cream is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and mix for 1 to ½ minutes until smooth.

Step 12

Once the sugar cookie bars are completely cooled, use the parchment paper sling to remove the sugar cookie bars from the baking dish.

Step 13

Using a silicone spatula or offset spatula to evenly spread the frosting.

Step 14

Evenly sprinkle the holiday sprinkles over the frosting. Slice the bars 1 ½ x 3 inch slices.