Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary taste experience! These Vanilla Bean Cookie Bars are not just a dessert—they're a slice of pure bliss that combines the rich, luxurious essence of vanilla with a perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality treats that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla bean paste and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Smooth the top to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into 16 equal-sized bars using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy at room temperature.
Tips
- Use high-quality vanilla bean paste for the most intense and authentic vanilla flavor. The tiny specks of vanilla bean will not only enhance taste but also create a visually stunning appearance.
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted—this is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture when creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour, as this can lead to tough, dense bars. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For perfectly clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between each slice. Let the bars cool completely to ensure they hold their shape.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- For an extra touch of elegance, consider dusting the cooled bars with powdered sugar or drizzling with a light vanilla glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
