Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars

1 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
1 1/2 T. red food coloring
1/3 c. cocoa powder
2 c. SR flour
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2 c. butter, softened
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 c. powdered sugar*
1 t. vanilla
red and green sugar sprinkles
red and green mini m&m's

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together for 4 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, & red food coloring until combined. Add cocoa and flour. Stir to blend. Spread evenly in sprayed 9x13 pan. Bake 20-23 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool. While cake is cooling, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar. Stir in vanilla. Chill 5 minutes. Spread on cooled bars and garnish with sprinkles and M&M's if desired. Cut into squares. Yum!

*My husband thought they were too sweet so you may need to use less sugar. I thought they tasted great!

1st picture: cooked bars, not cooled yet. 2nd picture: iced and decorated. 3rd picture: ready to eat! So festive for Christmas.