Description
Delight in these Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars topped with a luscious Vanilla Bean Frosting. Soft, buttery cookie bars infused with real vanilla bean flavor offer an easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to simple treats. The creamy frosting adds the perfect sweet finish to these classic American dessert bars.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides to easily lift the cookie bars out after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated, infusing the dough with rich vanilla flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, careful not to overwork the dough to keep the bars tender.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface to ensure uniform thickness for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the center is set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, ensuring the bars firm up for easy frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the vanilla bean frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars using a spatula.
- Serve: Slice into 24 bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Add sprinkles on top of the frosting for a fun, festive touch.
- Incorporate a few drops of food coloring into the frosting for themed events or holiday celebrations.
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
