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Star Sugar Cookie Bars

Star Sugar Cookie Bars
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Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Star-shaped sprinkles or star cookie cutters

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides to make it easy to lift the bars out later. Lightly grease any exposed pan surfaces with cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until fully incorporated. The almond extract is the secret ingredient that gives these bars a professional bakery taste.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
  5. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or clean, lightly floured hands to press the dough into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden. The center should still look slightly soft; it will firm up as it cools.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. It is vital to let the bars cool completely before frosting them, otherwise, the buttercream will melt and slide off.
  7. While the bars cool, beat the remaining butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  8. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Top generously with star sprinkles. For a more defined look, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut individual stars out of the pan, or simply cut them into squares with a sharp knife.

Find it online: https://www.diannemeals.com/desserts/star-sugar-cookie-bars/