• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×6.5-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it so the bars won’t stick.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup sugar together until light, creamy, and slightly fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Mix in the egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
• In another bowl, stir together the 1 ⅓ cup flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mix, stirring until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix, as this can make the bars hard.
• Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or slightly damp fingers to level it.
• Bake for 16–20 minutes. Watch the edges—they should just start to turn golden. The middle should be set but still soft when you touch it.
• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a medium bowl, beat the ¼ cup butter and 4 oz cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing until combined.
• Add the 1 ½ cups powdered sugar bit by bit, starting on low so you don’t get sugar dust, then go higher until the frosting is fluffy.
• If the frosting is too thick to spread, optionally add 1 tablespoon of cream or milk at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
• Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars using a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch.
• For cleaner slices, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes and run your knife under hot water before cutting. Slice into squares or rectangles, serve, and enjoy!