There is something incredibly comforting about baking classic sweets with a special twist, and this Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe captures that nostalgic joy perfectly. These bars are buttery, soft, and infused with the fragrant warmth of real vanilla bean paste both in the cookie and the luscious frosting. It’s like all the best parts of a sugar cookie elevated to bar form, making sharing or storing them a breeze without sacrificing any of that dreamy flavor everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward pantry staples, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect tender crumb and irresistible frosting. With simple ingredients, you’ll achieve a rich flavor and beautiful texture that sets these bars apart.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures the dough and frosting become smooth and creamy without adding unwanted saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: The primary sweetener for the cookie bars, it helps create a light and tender base.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
- Vanilla bean paste: Infuses real vanilla seeds and deep aroma that makes this recipe so special; pure vanilla extract works well too.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bars, providing structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder: Adds a subtle lift so the cookie bars aren’t dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the vanilla flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Key to smooth and fluffy frosting texture.
- Heavy cream or milk: Creates the perfect frosting consistency.
- Sprinkles (optional): Adds a festive touch and extra fun if you’re serving to kids or at celebrations.
How to Make Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leaving some overhang on the sides really helps you lift out the bars after baking without any sticking or crumbling, making clean-up and slicing so much easier.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the tender crumb of your cookie bars, as it incorporates air into the dough right from the start.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Bean Paste
Next, beat in the egg and the heavenly vanilla bean paste until everything is well combined. The vanilla bean paste will deliver those lovely black specks and a richer vanilla flavor that you won’t get from extract alone.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Adding these dry ingredients gradually to your wet mixture ensures a uniformly soft dough without overmixing, which keeps your bars tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Press and Bake
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Baking takes about 18 to 22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center just feels set to the touch. The smell will be absolutely intoxicating, so don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to taste the edges right away.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Bean Frosting
While your bars cool completely in the pan, whip up the frosting by beating softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), the vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting becomes fluffy and perfectly smooth.
Step 7: Frost and Chill
Spread the luscious vanilla bean frosting evenly over the cooled bars. If you’d like, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top for a whimsical look. Chill the frosted bars for 15 to 20 minutes so they set nicely and slice cleanly into squares.
How to Serve Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a pretty presentation, fresh berries or edible flowers add a beautiful contrast, while a light dusting of powdered sugar can highlight the vanilla bean specks. Sprinkles bring the fun factor up a notch, especially for parties or festive occasions.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of steaming hot coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. On a brunch table, they complement fresh fruit salads or creamy yogurt, offering a sweet balance to savory dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bars on a rustic wooden board layered with parchment paper for a charming, casual vibe or stack them on tiered cake stands for a more elegant display. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with twine makes perfect edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep 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 the bars soft and prevents the frosting from drying out while retaining that delightful vanilla aroma.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Once thawed, prepare the frosting fresh to maintain its creamy texture. Alternatively, freeze frosted bars briefly, but note that texture may be slightly different after thawing.
Reheating
If you prefer a soft, just-baked feel, gently warm unfrosted bars in a low oven or microwave before frosting. Avoid reheating frosted bars as the frosting may melt or separate.
FAQs
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Absolutely! While vanilla bean paste gives those signature vanilla specks and a richer flavor, pure vanilla extract works just fine and still produces delicious results in this recipe.
What pan size should I use to get perfect bars?
A 9×13-inch pan is ideal since it gives the bars the right thickness and baking time. Using a different size might affect the texture and require adjusting the baking time accordingly.
How do I make sure my frosting is smooth and fluffy?
Beat your softened butter first until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar and liquids. Using room temperature ingredients and beating on medium-high speed really helps achieve that perfect, fluffy frosting texture.
Can I add flavor variations to the dough or frosting?
Yes! Adding almond extract or lemon zest to either the dough or the frosting adds a lovely twist. Just start with a small amount, as these flavors can be quite strong and you don’t want to overpower the vanilla.
How early can I make these bars before serving?
You can bake the bars and make the frosting a day ahead, then assemble and frost the bars just a few hours before serving for the freshest taste. This also makes them an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something special about the warmth and simplicity of this Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe. It combines classic cookie flavors with an elegant vanilla frosting that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or special occasions, these bars bring pure joy with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself and watch how quickly they disappear!
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Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars topped with a luscious vanilla bean frosting. Perfectly balanced with rich vanilla flavor and a buttery base, these bars make an ideal dessert or sweet snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 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 (or 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
- Sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes, which helps in creating a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla bean paste until well combined, infusing the dough with rich vanilla flavor.
- 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 Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the surface for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the vanilla bean frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. For a festive touch, sprinkle optional sprinkles over the top.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the frosted bars for 15–20 minutes to firm up the frosting, making slicing easier. Cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to achieve a firmer texture.
- For a flavor twist, add almond extract or lemon zest to either the dough or frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
