Description
Delight in these soft and chewy vanilla bean sugar cookie bars topped with a creamy vanilla bean frosting. Perfect for any occasion, they bring a touch of elegance and sweetness to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13″ x 9″ baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for about 20 seconds. Set aside.
- 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 pale and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Use a spatula to fold everything together, being careful not to over-mix.
- Press and Bake: Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray and gently press the dough mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set and no longer doughy in the center.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the softened butter with vanilla bean seeds until light and fluffy.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and 2 Tbsp of half and half. Continue mixing until smooth and fluffy, adding more half and half as needed for desired consistency.
- Frost the Bars: Once completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve. Garnish with edible flowers or fresh berries for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before frosting for the best texture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg