Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars

CREAM CHEESE SUGAR COOKIE BARS

Cookie:
    1½ cups sugar                   
    1 cup butter, softened
    8 oz cream cheese, softened (I used light)
    1 egg
    ½ tsp almond extract
    1 tsp vanilla
    ½ tsp baking soda
    1 tsp baking powder
    2½ cup flour
Frosting:
    ½ C butter softened
    4 oz cream cheese, softened
    3½ C powdered sugar
    1 tsp vanilla
    1-3 Tbsp milk
    food coloring, if desired

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer combine the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and egg blend with a mixer until nice and smooth. It will almost resemble frosting.  Add the vanilla and almond extract and beat for 1 minute more.  Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Beat for about 2 minutes.  Spread or press the dough evenly into a jelly roll (13 x 18) pan. I found it easiest to spread it with an offset spatula.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Test with a toothpick for doneness.  Let the pan cool completely.  For the frosting, in a large bowl (or your stand mixer) beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.  Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and food coloring, if desired. Beat for about 4 minutes until noce and fluffy.  Frost cooled pan of cookies. Cut the cookies into bars and serve! Makes 40 bars.