Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Introduction

Baking has always been a cherished activity in our home, often bringing the family together over the sweet scent of fresh cookies. Recently, I tried making these Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars, and the result was nothing short of delightful! With their buttery flavor and a touch of vanilla, they were an instant hit with everyone. The smooth vanilla bean frosting took these bars to another level, transforming them into a special treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these cookie bars are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 2 3/4 cups (388g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (164g) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (76g) powdered sugar
• Seeds of 1 small vanilla bean
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (113g) butter (1/4 cup salted, 1/4 cup unsalted), softened
• Seeds of 1 small vanilla bean
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups (300g) powdered sugar
• 2 – 3 Tbsp half and half

Instructions

For the Bars:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13″ x 9″ baking dish and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for about 20 seconds. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whip together the softened butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean seeds until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
   Stir in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. If needed, use a spatula to fold everything together, being careful not to over-mix the dough.
6. Press and Bake:
   Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray and gently press the dough mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bars are set and no longer doughy in the center.
7. Cool:
   Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

For the Frosting:

1. Prepare the Frosting:
   In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the softened butter with the vanilla bean seeds until light and fluffy.
2. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
   Mix in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and 2 Tbsp of half and half. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and slightly fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more half and half, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Frost the Bars:
   Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
4. Serve:
   Cut into squares and serve. Garnish with edible flowers or fresh berries for an elegant presentation if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 squares
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 29g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes (plus cooling time)

How to Serve

• Cut into squares or rectangles.
• Serve on a decorative platter.
• Garnish with edible flowers or fresh berries for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful snack.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for freshness.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
2. Don’t Over-Mix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars soft and chewy.
3. Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely to prevent the frosting from melting.
4. Try Different Flavorings: You can experiment by adding lemon or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
5. Add Sprinkles: For a festive touch, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting before it sets.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars: Substitute lemon zest for the vanilla bean seeds for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Nutty Cookie Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• For a Party: Serve alongside other desserts like brownies or cupcakes for a variety of sweet treats.
• With Coffee or Tea: These bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• At a Picnic: Pack them in a cooler for an easy, delicious treat to enjoy outdoors.
• As a Gift: Cut into small squares and package in a decorative box for a lovely homemade gift.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookie bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week for longer freshness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean?
   Yes, you can substitute 1 tsp of vanilla extract for the seeds of a vanilla bean.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
   The bars are done when the edges are set and the center is no longer doughy. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance and frost them just before serving.
4. What can I use instead of half and half?
   You can substitute whole milk or heavy cream if you don’t have half and half.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
   You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind it may affect the texture and sweetness of the bars.
6. How should I cut the bars for serving?
   Use a sharp knife to cut into even squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner edges.
7. Is it necessary to use both types of butter in the frosting?
   Using both salted and unsalted butter helps balance the sweetness, but you can use one type if preferred.
8. Can I add food coloring to the frosting?
   Yes, you can add food coloring to the frosting for a fun, colorful presentation!
9. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
10. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
    Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor may differ slightly.

Conclusion

These Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting are not just a treat; they are an experience that brings joy to every gathering. With their soft, buttery texture and the creamy, dreamy frosting, these bars are a testament to the simple pleasure of baking. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Give them a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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