Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Bean Frosting

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• Seeds of 1 small vanilla bean
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 – 3 Tbsp half and half

Directions

1. For the bars: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13" x 9" baking dish with butter and put it to the side. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt with a whisk for 20 seconds, then reserve it for later.
2. In an electric stand mixer bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean seeds until the mixture looks lighter and creamy. Add the eggs separately, mixing after each one, then blend in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture gradually, mixing only until the dough comes together; if it needs help at the end, use a spatula to fold it in, and do not overwork it.
3. Mist your hands with non-stick cooking spray, then softly pat the dough into the prepared baking dish. Bake the bars until the middle is set and no longer doughy, about 15 – 20 minutes. Cool them all the way, then add the frosting and slice into squares.
4. For the frosting: In an electric stand mixer bowl with the paddle attachment in place, beat the butter and vanilla bean seeds until airy and soft. Add the vanilla, powdered sugar, and 2 Tbsp half and half, then mix until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting needs loosening, mix in additional half and half 1 teaspoon at a time, using up to 3 tsp more, until it reaches the consistency you want.
5. Recipe revised March 6, 2016.