Toasted Oat Brown Sugar Shortbread Bars

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread all of the oats on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, stirring once, for 10 to 12 minutes, until fragrant and light golden. Cool for 10 minutes.
2. Lower the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides.
3. Grind half of the toasted oats in a food processor or blender to a coarse flour. Keep the remaining half whole.
4. In a bowl, whisk the ground oats with the flour, cinnamon and salt.
5. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until creamy and lighter in color, about 2 minutes, then beat in the vanilla.
6. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low just until a soft dough forms, then fold in the remaining whole toasted oats.
7. Press the dough evenly into the lined pan and smooth the top. Prick it all over with a fork.
8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks set and dry.
9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out by the parchment and, while still warm, cut into 12 bars with a sharp knife.
10. Let the bars cool completely on a rack, about 30 minutes, so they crisp up before serving.