Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease or use parchment paper to line a 9x13-inch metal baking pan. If using a glass pan, preheat the oven to 350F. Set aside.

Step 2

To make the sugar cookie bars, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy and well-combined.

Step 3

Add egg and egg yolks. Beat until eggs are well-incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in vanilla and almond extract, if using.

Step 5

Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just incorporated.

Step 6

Add batter to prepared pan.

Step 7

Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are very light golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. It's better to slightly underbake the bars than to overbake them.

Step 8

Let the bars cool in the pan until they reach room temperature.

Step 9

To prepare frosting, beat butter until fluffy.

Step 10

Add powdered sugar and salt, and mix until combined.

Step 11

Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 12

Mix in enough cream to make a spreadable frosting.