Holiday Cookie Squares

This recipe makes roughly 12 (2”) bars.

Ingredients

For the blondies:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs, room temp

• 1 tablespoon Cake Batter extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Sprinkles (optional)

For the cream cheese icing:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temp

• 1/2 block cream cheese (4 oz)

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp cake batter extract

• pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉ and prep 8” square pan with non-stick baking spray.

2. Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl for 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed.

3. Add eggs and vanilla to the mixture and beat to combine.

4. Clean sides of the bowl with spatula and add flour, salt, and baking powder.

5. On a low to medium speed, combine all of the ingredients until a dough forms.

6. Press dough into the 8x8” square pan to line the base evenly.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until slightly golden brown around the edges and the top of the cookie doesn’t look greasy.

8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before removing from pan.

9. Once cooled, transfer blondie to a flat surface for icing.

10. For the icing, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add extract, salt, and powdered sugar to the mixer and mix on a low speed until frosting is smooth and lump free.

11. With an offset spatula, add the icing to the top of the cookie bar and smooth evenly. For clean cuts and perfect squares, refrigerate before cutting.

12. Finish with sprinkles, cut into bars or squares, and serve!