Description
Delight in these Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars topped with a luscious vanilla bean frosting. Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars infused with real vanilla bean are baked to perfection and layered with a creamy, fluffy frosting for a classic American dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
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
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, ensuring the mixture is well aerated.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla bean paste until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Mix dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Press dough into pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but not browned.
- Cool completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool fully in the pan to firm up before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the bars: Spread the vanilla bean frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
- Serve: Slice into 24 bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious vanilla bean sugar cookie bars!
Notes
- Add sprinkles on top for a festive touch or incorporate a few drops of food coloring into the frosting for themed occasions.
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
