Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.5 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 oz (56g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp almond extract
  • 2.5 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2.5 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 0.25 cup Christmas sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line your 9x13 pan with parchment paper. Note: Parchment ensures you can lift the bars out later without them breaking.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup softened butter, 1.5 cups sugar, and 2 oz cream cheese until smooth and combined.
  3. Add the egg, 2 tsp vanilla, and 0.5 tsp almond extract, mixing on medium speed until the color lightens slightly.
  4. Whisk together the 2.5 cups flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, and 0.5 tsp salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low until no white streaks remain. Note: Do not overmix or the bars will become tough.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using damp fingers or the back of a spoon.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are just barely golden. Note: The center should look soft and slightly matte, not shiny.
  8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. Beat 0.5 cup butter until creamy and pale. Add the 3 cups powdered sugar, 2.5 tbsp heavy cream, and 1 tsp vanilla.
  10. Whip on high speed for 2 minutes until the frosting is light and velvety. Spread over the cooled bars and top with sprinkles immediately.