Easter Goodness

My guys love sugar cookies, especially for holidays. Sometimes I make the cut out cookies, frost, and decorate. A bit of fuss. Then guys being guys they inhale them. Making short work of my big effort. This recipe is the sugar cookie at warp speed.

And at this time of year no one is biting little heads off chicks and bunnies.

You may remember my botched attempt last week with this recipe. It was worth trying again and this time I think we're okay.

Sugar Cookie Bars

1 cup butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 13 x 18 inch sheet pan and line with parchment paper. I didn't line the pan, just sprayed Pam.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking soda and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixture, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes on medium high. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Add the vanilla. Add the flour mixture in 2 addition, mixing until just combined.

Press the cookie dough into the sheet pan, using a greased spatula or parchment paper to spread it evenly. Bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool completely.

Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
4 cups confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4-5 tablespoons milk
Pinch of salt
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the shortening and butter until combined and smooth. Add the vanilla and salt and mix until combined. Add the confectioners sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Cream together on medium high for about a minute. Add the milk 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until smooth. I only needed 4 tablespoons of milk to get a light spreadable consistency.
Spread onto cooled cookies. Slice into bars and serve.

Besides Baking...
Looks like the Element is full for a trip to Seattle to Pioneer Woman's book signing. A really fun group of women, we will be laughing all the way! Shelly, Leslie and Jerrie are going on an adventure!

I had a flight yesterday that ended badly. My feet came off the ground at boot camp in an attempt to heave the ball and I landed face first, full body on the gym floor. I'm sore today but fine. The triple bruises on my knee match beautifully on both knees. I'm going to the hot tub this morning before I get busy cleaning the house. My dear Hubby mopped yesterday so I won't be on my knees today.

Our church had a powerful Good Friday service last night. I felt so blessed to be a part of that community of believers. If you don't have a church home for Easter let me know. I would love to have you be a part of my church as we celebrate the Resurrection on Sunday. Wishing you a Blessed Easter!