Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
If you could bottle happiness, it would taste exactly like Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting—thick, soft, buttery cookie bars slathered with the dreamiest vanilla-speckled frosting. This recipe is a celebration of all things sweet and simple: the nostalgic crumb of a bakery-style sugar cookie meets pure vanilla bliss in every single bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to brighten an ordinary day, these bars are sure to win hearts and leave the kitchen smelling absolutely divine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this recipe are a handful of classic baking staples and a generous scoop of vanilla bean magic. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s building the soft cookie base or creating that luscious, creamy topping. Let’s break down the cast of characters:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup for bars, 1/2 cup for frosting): Softened butter provides rich flavor, moisture, and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t skimp here!
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookie bars and helps them bake up tender and soft.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
- Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons for bars, 1 teaspoon for frosting): The secret to those fragrant vanilla flecks and incredibly robust flavor—real vanilla beans make all the difference.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure and just enough heft for thick, chewy bars.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the dough slightly, keeping the bars soft but not too crumbly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon for bars, pinch for frosting): Balances all the sweetness and deepens the vanilla notes.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Dissolves effortlessly into the frosting for a silky finish.
- Heavy cream or milk (2 tablespoons): Brings creaminess and helps the frosting whip up ultra-fluffy; milk works in a pinch if you’re out of cream.
How to Make Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F to make sure you’ve got just the right amount of heat for perfect cookie bars. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang so you can lift the bars out easily later—trust me, this makes all the difference for flawless, photo-ready slices!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or good old-fashioned elbow grease) to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step whips air into the batter, giving your Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting a delicate, light texture that sets them apart from ordinary bars.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla bean paste (or seeds from a vanilla bean) until everything is silky smooth and combined. The vanilla bean flecks dot the dough, promising real vanilla flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only ensures an even mix but also keeps lumps out of your dough. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet batter, mixing until just combined—over-mixing can lead to tough bars, so stop once you see no more flour streaks.
Step 5: Press and Bake
Gently press the soft dough into your lined pan, smoothing it out so it’s nice and even (an offset spatula helps here, but clean hands do the trick too). Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, keeping an eye out for those lightly golden edges and a set center. Remember: slightly underbaking gives you denser, softer bars, which is what makes Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting so irresistible!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is the perfect excuse to make a cup of coffee and dream about the frosting. Cooling ensures the frosting won’t melt when you spread it on—patience pays off here.
Step 7: Make the Vanilla Bean Frosting
Once your bars are cool, beat the butter for the frosting until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then pour in the heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Keep beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and speckled with those glorious vanilla bean seeds. If the frosting seems too thick, add a touch more cream for the perfect cloud-like consistency.
Step 8: Frost, Slice, and Enjoy!
Spread the vanilla bean frosting generously over the cooled cookie bars, swirling it into soft peaks if you like. Lift out of the pan using the parchment, slice into 24 squares, and get ready to watch them disappear—this is when Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting truly shine!
How to Serve Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Garnishes
There’s something magical about a handful of colorful sprinkles or a dusting of sparkling sugar on top of these bars—especially for birthdays or holidays. You can even add a hint of edible gold leaf or delicate dried flowers for an elegant bakery-worthy touch. Whatever garnish you choose, it’s a simple extra step that makes Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting even more eye-catching and festive.
Side Dishes
A glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea makes the perfect companion for these cookie bars. For dessert platters, pair them with fresh berries, lemon bars, or a handful of simple chocolate truffles to balance the sweetness and add a pop of color to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters or roll the edges in sprinkles for a whimsical look. For a chic event, serve the bars on a tiered cake stand or arrange them in a checkerboard pattern with alternating frosting colors. No matter how you present them, Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, store your Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The bars stay soft and the frosting remains creamy, making them just as delicious on day three as they are fresh from the oven.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Simply arrange sliced, frosted bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
It’s best to enjoy these bars at room temperature, but if you love a slightly warm bar (who doesn’t?), pop one in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as the frosting softens quickly—just enough warmth brings out all the vanilla aroma and makes the cookie base delightfully tender!
FAQs
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Absolutely! While vanilla bean paste gives you those gorgeous specks and a more intense vanilla flavor, pure vanilla extract works just fine in a pinch. Use the same amount, and your bars will still be bursting with sweetness and fragrance.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cookie layer a day in advance, let it cool, and then frost the next day. If you need to prep even further ahead, freeze the frosted bars and thaw them when you’re ready to serve for an easy, make-ahead vanilla treat.
How do I get clean slices every time?
For perfect, bakery-style cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between slices. Chilling the bars for 20 minutes after frosting also helps set the topping for super-neat edges.
What if I want to add food coloring to the frosting?
Go for it! A few drops of gel food coloring mixed into the frosting can create lovely pastel shades—great for baby showers, birthdays, or school colors. Just add the coloring after the frosting is mixed, and stir until evenly tinted.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Keep an eye on them as they bake, since gluten-free bars may need a minute or two longer for optimal texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving pure comfort with a bit of elegance, Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting are your new go-to. This recipe is so simple, endlessly customizable, and destined to be a favorite in any baker’s repertoire. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed by just how quickly they disappear!
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Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with a rich vanilla bean frosting. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from everyday treats to special celebrations.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the cookie bars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Make the frosting: To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars, then slice and serve.
Notes
- You can add sprinkles on top for a festive touch or a few drops of food coloring to the frosting for themed occasions.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
