These sugar cookie bars are also known as Very Vanilla Sugar Cookie Bars because they are packed with vanilla flavor. They are a classier take on that traditional kid-friendly sugar cookie bar. Don’t worry though these are still most definitely kid friendly, but I can already tell you they won’t want to eat the Violas though :). The flower decorations are totally optional, really I just added them for some color and in celebration of Mother’s Day. Yes, these specific flowers are edible but they just have a light floral taste. It’s like the pretty fondant decorations you see on cakes—they look beautiful but does anyone really want to eat them? I personally have yet to find a fondant that I like, it’s just too gummy or paste-y or something.
Who wouldn’t love a fancy take on sugar cookie bars? Don’t vanilla beans just make anything more elegant? Those thousands of little gourmet flecks just make me happy. I love vanilla beans! These sugar cookie bars are soft, perfectly sweet, decadently vanilla flavored deliciousness and after just one taste they will most definitely leave you craving more. I’m already thinking about enjoying this frosting between cake layers!
Note that due to a few reviews left in the comments below, I decided to adjust the recipe (as of March 6, 2016) and I changed it quite drastically – making them more buttery and, therefore, more moist and flavorful. I also added some powdered sugar in place of granulated sugar in the dry ingredients to give them a bit of a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and I omitted sour cream from the batter. (If you feel it’s too dry, just add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk.) Try this version out—I like them even better than the first version! If you don’t want to pay the price for vanilla beans or you don’t have vanilla bean paste in your ingredients cupboard, just increase the vanilla to 2 tsp in the dough and to 1 tsp in the frosting. Make sure to carefully remove the golden brown bars from the pan and let cool on wire racks before frosting.
I think these Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars would be delicious served with strawberries, classic vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate, or coffee. You’ll feel like a legitimate pastry chef when you serve these stacked in layers on a cake stand—so pretty they can serve as a centerpiece!
