Ingredients:
16 oz maraschino cherries, cut and patted dry
1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened (3/4 cup)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Frosting:
2 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup butter softened
1/4 tsp vanilla
3 cups of powder sugar
2 tbsp red sprinkles
Directions:
Sugar Cookie Bars
1. Drain and chop cherries into quarters or 1/8 pieces. Pat dry and save for later.
2. Cream 1 1/2 sticks butter and sugar together. Add in eggs, extract and beat until combined.
3. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Blend all into a moist cookie dough, then fold in the cherries.
4. Press dough into a greased 9x13 baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
5. Set on a cooling rack and let the bars cool.
Frosting
1. Beat cream cheese, 1/2 stick of softened butter, extract, and powder sugar until frosting is combined. If it's too thick add some half and half or milk until it's nice and smooth.
2. Spread frosting on the bars after they are cool. Shake on the red sprinkles and enjoy!