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
Scale
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.
