Frosted Sugar Cookie Squares

The only thing I can say about these cookies is "Yum". They are perfect to bring to a holiday party because they are meant for a large crowd. I have seen these bars on several blogs and decided to try to make a lighter version. It is still pretty point heavy, but holiday parties are meant for indulgences.

I adapted the cookie recipe from Recipe Girl and I adapted the frosting from Skinnytaste.  For the cookies, it was my first time trying to make lightened up cookies. I swapped out half of the butter with fat free sour cream, and I was very relieved to find out that worked. I'm on my way to being a light baking pro! I used Smart Balance butter for the batter because if I am going to use a stick of butter in anything, I want it to have some kind of nutritional value.

The dough for these cookies is extremely sticky.  I would recommend spraying everything you use to handle them with baking spray, including your hands. Also, a stand mixer is really handy when making the dough. I don't have one. Maybe for Christmas (*hint, hint*).

I made these cookies Christmas themed, but feel free to change up the frosting/sprinkles to whatever you like.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Squares
Adapted from Recipe Girl and Skinnytaste

Ingredients
Cookies:
Baking spray
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Frosting:
8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Food coloring, if desired
Sprinkles, if desired


Instructions
Cookies:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F; spray a large jelly roll pan with baking spray and set aside


2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and sour cream until fluffy; add eggs and egg whites, one at a time, mixing after each addition; stir in vanilla.

3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt


4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; spread onto the prepared jelly roll pan.

5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and the cookies are slightly browned; cool completely before frosting.


Frosting: 
1. Beat all ingredients together until smooth

2. Spread onto the cookie bars; garnish with sprinkles, if desired

Nutritional Information
Calories: 212
Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4
Sodium: 198
Points+: 5