There is something utterly irresistible about classic sugar cookies, but when you transform that beloved treat into a tray of Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe, you get a dessert that’s perfect for sharing and bursting with rich, creamy vanilla flavor in every bite. These bars combine the soft, tender crumb of a sugar cookie with the smooth, luscious frosting that’s studded with real vanilla bean, elevating a simple treat into a show-stopping dessert. Whether you’re craving an indulgent snack or looking to impress friends with a homemade dessert, these cookie bars are sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, using pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each component plays a vital role, from the butter that ensures a rich, tender base to the vanilla bean paste that infuses every bite with aromatic sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, rich texture to both cookie and frosting, foundational for tenderness and flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binding agent, giving structure and moisture to the dough.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste: The secret star that delivers that intense, natural vanilla flavor and lovely flecks in both batter and frosting.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone ingredient controlling structure and crumb of the bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise gently for a soft yet sturdy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a silky, smooth frosting base that’s rich and spreadable.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it perfect for spreading.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste: Elevates the frosting with pure vanilla goodness and beautiful vanilla specks.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for effortless spreading.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor by cutting through sweetness.
How to Make Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of your cookie bars once baked and cooled, ensuring they come out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This aeration is what gives your bars a tender crumb and delightful texture, not to mention a slightly buttery flavor that’s just dreamy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Bean Paste
Mix in one large egg and a tablespoon of vanilla bean paste thoroughly. This combination provides moisture, structure, and that unmistakable vanilla aroma that defines this recipe and makes your kitchen smell like heaven.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Incorporating these ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the dough, preventing any dense or uneven spots in your bars.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, folding it gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bars tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Bake the Cookie Bars
Press your dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your fingertips. Bake for 18–22 minutes until the edges develop a light golden hue. For a slightly chewier texture, pull them from the oven a minute or two early. Let the bars cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 7: Whip Up the Vanilla Bean Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing, then stir in the vanilla bean paste, milk, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the milk to create a luscious, spreadable frosting that’s not too thin or stiff.
Step 8: Frost and Slice
Once your cookie bars have cooled fully, spread the vanilla bean frosting evenly across the top using an offset spatula for a smooth finish. Slice into 24 delightful bars and prepare to enjoy!
How to Serve Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Keeping it simple is best here: a light dusting of finely chopped toasted nuts, fresh edible flowers, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a hint of texture and a pretty, personal touch to your bars. These small accents elevate presentation without overwhelming the lovely vanilla flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or offer warm drinks like chai tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. These combos enhance the bars’ richness and create a cozy, comforting dessert experience perfect for any time of year.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a tiered dessert tray at parties, or package them in pretty boxes to give as thoughtful homemade gifts. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate or caramel on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh, soft, and just as delicious as when first baked.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookie bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting. Alternatively, freeze frosted bars in a single layer; just know that the frosting may soften slightly upon thawing but will still taste fantastic.
Reheating
For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This quick heat-up intensifies the buttery goodness and softens the frosting slightly, making each bite melt in your mouth.
FAQs
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Absolutely! While vanilla bean paste gives a more intense flavor and lovely vanilla flecks, pure vanilla extract can be a convenient substitute. Your bars will still taste delicious but slightly less rich in vanilla depth.
How do I make the bars chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, try underbaking the bars by 1 to 2 minutes. This way, they remain soft and tender in the center while still having a nicely baked edge.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain structure. The flavor and texture will be delightfully similar!
Is there a way to reduce the sugar?
While the sugar contributes significantly to the texture and frosting sweetness, you can reduce granulated sugar slightly by about 2 tablespoons. Keep in mind that the bars may be less tender, so adjust carefully.
Can these bars be made vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, swap butter for vegan butter substitutes and the egg for a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seed plus 3 tablespoons water). Use powdered sugar that’s certified vegan to keep the frosting vegan-friendly. Texture and flavor will still be tasty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you love the comforting nostalgia of a traditional sugar cookie but crave a recipe that’s easy to share and bursting with real vanilla flavor, you have to try this Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether for a celebration, gift, or just because, these bars will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and filled with aromatic vanilla bean flavor. Topped with a rich and creamy vanilla bean frosting, they make the perfect dessert bar for any occasion. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Vanilla Bean Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated, adding rich and aromatic vanilla flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms with no streaks of flour remaining.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with your hands or a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown. For a chewier texture, consider underbaking by 1-2 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely to room temperature before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps.
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla bean paste, 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk (adjust for desired consistency), and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost Cookie Bars: Spread the vanilla bean frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars using a spatula or knife.
- Slice and Serve: Once frosted, slice into 24 bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade vanilla bean sugar cookie bars!
Notes
- For a slightly chewier texture, underbake the bars by 1–2 minutes before removing from the oven.
- You can substitute vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste if needed, but the flavor will be less intense and aromatic.
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
