Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

          My children love sugar cookies more than any other cookie on the planet....So,
         I figured I would try and whip them up something a little extra special. I believe this
         recipe did the trick! I make bars more than I make cookies. They always come out
         thicker and softer and much less time consuming! I can not even describe to you
         how good these are!! They are great with out frosting but with frosting they are out
         of this world!!!

                                                  Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

            Bars:
            2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
            1 teaspoon baking soda
            1/2 teaspoon salt
            1 1/4 cups butter
            2 cups of sugar
            2 eggs
            2 teaspoons vanilla
         
            1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking
            soda and salt, set aside.
            2) In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and
            fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla. Gradually stir in the dry
            ingredients until just blended.
            3) Place the mixture in a well greased 9 x 13 pan, spread the mixture and bake for
            about 35 to 40 minutes or until done. Let cool and frost.

            Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
             3 cups confectioners sugar
             1 cup of butter
             1 teaspoon vanilla extract
             1 to 2 tablespoons of whipping cream

             With a hand mixer, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well
             blended and then increase the speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.
             Add the vanilla and cream and continue to beat 1 more minute. Adding more
             cream if needed. Food coloring is optional.