Vanilla Cookie Bars with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish, set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for 20 seconds, set aside.

3. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer. whip together butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean seeds until pale and fluffy.

4. Stir in eggs one at a time then mix in vanilla. Slowly add flour mixture and mix just until combined.

5. Spray hands with non-stick cooking spray and gently press mixture into prepared baking dish.

6. Bake until bars are set and no longer doughy in the center, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely, then frost and cut into squares.

Frosting:

1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip butter with vanilla bean seeds until light and fluffy.

2. Mix in vanilla, powdered sugar, and 2 Tbsp half and a half and mix until light and fluffy.

3. If needed add more half and half, 1 teaspoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.