Sugar Cookie Bars

1 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg.  Add vanilla and mix well.  In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda and stir with a whisk to combine.  Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined.  Spread on a greased 13x18 baking sheet.  Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 mins, until golden brown or until toothpick comes out clean.  (they won't looked done, so do the toothpick test)  Cool completely and frost.

Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla (or almond extract)
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 TBLS milk
food coloring, if desired

Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.  Add vanilla and salt.  Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cups increments until combined, then add milk a little at at time and mix until smooth.  You may not need all the milk.  Spread over cooled cookie bars.