4th of July Cookie Bars

I hope all of you are enjoying your holiday weekend. All of you that live in the good ole USA that is. 😉  My husband took the day off yesterday, so we are having an extra long weekend. I just love the 4th of July!

I thought I’d sneak in another recipe that is just perfect for the 4th of July. Of course, it can be adapted for everyday as well, just leave off the fruit, or use different fruits altogether. If you like sugar cookies, you will love these! All of the great flavor without the hassle of rolling them out. The fruit on top is just a bonus, they are also great all on their own. Enjoy!

4th of July Cookie Bars
1 1/2 cups soft butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract
5 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Stir in dry ingredients. Press dough into a well greased jelly roll pan with sides. (Mine is 15×10″). Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes or till very lightly browned. Cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting and decorate with fresh fruit. I used strawberries and blueberries, but raspberries and blackberries would also work great!

Cream Cheese Frosting
8oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup soft butter
5-6 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2-3 tsp milk if needed
Beat cream cheese and butter till smooth. Beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk till you get a good spreading consistency. Spread over cooled crust. Cut into squares and decorate as desired.