Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the flour and mix until just combined. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan to form the base.
• In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
• Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the shortbread base.
• Crumble the remaining shortbread dough over the cinnamon filling.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before cutting. If making the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm bars.
• Cut into bars and serve warm or at room temperature.