Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
  • 4 oz (115g) low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) milk
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) almond extract
  • food coloring
  • 2 tbsp (15g) sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
  3. Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt using a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are a light mahogany gold and the center is set.
  5. While the bars cool completely on a wire rack, whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Stir in food coloring and spread over the cooled bars, finishing with sprinkles.