Description
These Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting combine the rich, buttery flavor of classic sugar cookies with the aromatic warmth of real vanilla bean. Perfectly soft and chewy, topped with a luscious, creamy vanilla bean frosting, these bars make an ideal dessert for any occasion, from festive celebrations to everyday treats.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out after baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will give your bars a tender texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla bean paste (or seeds) thoroughly until well incorporated, adding that signature vanilla flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Press dough into pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface for an even bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden and the center appears set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan, which makes frosting easier and cleaner to apply.
- Prepare frosting: Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost bars and serve: Spread the vanilla bean frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Slice into 24 bars and serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Add sprinkles on top of the frosting for a festive look or mix a few drops of food coloring into the frosting for themed occasions.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
