Heat oven to 350° and grease a jelly roll pan.
In a standing mixer, cream butter and sugar for about 2-3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each after adding to the mix.
Add vanilla extract and mix well.
In a different bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix with a fork or whisk. Slowly add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Spread out onto the pan until it is all one even layer. Use greased parchment paper to help push on the dough if it is not spreading easily.
Bake 13-15 minutes and let cool completely in the pan.
Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla and beat until fully combined.
Add powdered sugar and milk, mixing at a low speed, increasing speed as the ingredients become more incorporated with one another. Add food coloring if desired.
Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the bars. Enjoy! :)
