Best 2 Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies Recipes

Are you searching for a delectable treat that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a realm of culinary bliss? Look no further than the enchanting world of vanilla bean sugar cookies, where simplicity meets sophistication, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. These cookies are a delightful combination of crisp edges and a soft, chewy center, infused with the intoxicating aroma and rich taste of Madagascar vanilla beans, creating an unforgettable experience with every bite. So, embark on a baking adventure with us as we guide you through the steps to create these heavenly treats, transforming your kitchen into a haven of sweet indulgence.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

VANILLA-BEAN SUGAR COOKIES

Vanilla-Bean Sugar Cookies image

Categories Cookies Mixer Dessert Bake Christmas Back to School Chill Potluck Gourmet Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher

Yield Makes about 36 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons cold vegetable shortening
1 cup sugar
2 vanilla beans
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

In a bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter, shortening, and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. With a knife halve vanilla beans lengthwise. Scrape seeds into butter mixture and beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined well. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into mixture and beat until just combined.
On a large sheet of wax paper form dough into a 10- by 2-inch log and roll up in wax paper. Chill dough until firm, at least 4 hours. Dough keeps up to 3 days wrapped in wax paper and foil.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Put remaining 1/4 cup sugar on a platter. Remove wax paper and roll log in sugar (not all sugar will adhere to log). Cut log crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and dip cut sides of slices in sugar on platter. Arrange cookies 1/2 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets and bake in batches in middle of oven 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are pale golden. With a metal spatula transfer cookies to a rack to cool. Cookies may be made 2 days ahead (see note, above) and kept between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container.

VANILLA-BEAN SUGAR COOKIES

Vanilla-Bean Sugar Cookies image

Instead of icing this season's sugar cookies, we stamped out circles and edged them in two sizes of sanding sugar for full, colorful coverage. But here's a handy shortcut: Shape the dough into a log, coat it in sugar, and then chill, slice, and bake. Either way you play it, these will be a reliable hit at the cookie swap.

Provided by Sarah Carey

Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes

Time 1h35m

Yield Makes about 4 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 stick plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg, separated
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla paste, or 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
Gold and pink sanding sugar (preferably a combination of fine and coarse)

Steps:

In a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter with granulated sugar and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg yolk and vanilla; beat to combine. Add flour and beat until a soft dough forms, about 30 seconds. Divide in half; place each half between two sheets of floured parchment and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Refrigerate 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Using a cookie cutter, cut dough into 1 1/4-inch rounds. Gather scraps and reroll; refrigerate 15 minutes and cut more rounds. Refrigerate rounds 20 minutes. Brush edges of cookies with egg white; roll in sanding sugar to coat. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets, 1 inch apart. (If dough is softening, return to refrigerator 10 minutes.)
Bake, rotating halfway through, until cookies are just golden on bottoms, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool completely on pans on wire racks. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Tips:

For the best flavor, use unsalted butter and bring it to room temperature before starting.
To achieve a light and fluffy texture, cream the butter and sugar together until they are pale and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape.
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven and watch them closely to prevent overbaking.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting or decorating.

Conclusion:

These vanilla bean sugar cookies are a classic and delicious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their soft and chewy texture, sweet vanilla flavor, and beautiful appearance, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking them for a holiday party, a bake sale, or just a special treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious vanilla bean sugar cookies today!