Sugar Cookie Bars

BARS

1 cup butter (softened)
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp soda

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg.  Add vanilla and mix well.  In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, and soda and stir with a whisk to combine.  Add to wet mixture and mix until combined.  Spread on a greased baking sheet (13 x 18 pan)  Bake at 375 for 10 to 15 min, until golden brown or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool completely and frost.

FROSTING

1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
4 cups of powdered sugar
5 tbsp milk
food coloring if desired

For frosting combine butter and shortening until and smooth and creamy.  Add vanilla and salt.  Add powdered sugar in 1 to 2 increments until combined, then add mild and mix until smooth and spreading consistency.  Spread over cooled cookies.