Introduction
Vanilla bean sugar cookies are a classic and delicious treat that everyone loves. These cookies have a soft and chewy texture with a rich vanilla flavor that comes from using a whole vanilla bean. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients to make 4 portions:
- 225g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 200g granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 375g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Variations
- For a chocolate twist, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Add 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts to the dough for some crunch.
- For a festive touch, add food coloring to the dough and decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Make vanilla bean sandwich cookies by spreading vanilla frosting between two cookies.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Vanilla bean sugar cookies are a simple and delicious treat that are perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and produces cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of vanilla flavor. Try experimenting with different variations to put your own spin on this classic cookie. Enjoy!
FAQ
How long should I chill the dough before baking?
It is recommended to chill the dough for at least 1 hour before baking. This helps the dough to firm up and makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Can I substitute vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste. However, the flavor may not be as intense and you will not have the flecks of vanilla bean in the dough.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, make sure the dough is well chilled before baking. You can also try adding a tablespoon of flour to the dough to help absorb some of the moisture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. After rolling out and cutting the shapes, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer the frozen shapes to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but be aware that the salt content may affect the overall flavor of the cookies.
How long do the cookies need to bake for?
The cookies should bake for 8-10 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C). They should be lightly golden around the edges when done.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, you can add food coloring to the dough to create different colors. Gel food coloring is recommended as it does not affect the consistency of the dough.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on the size of the cookie cutters used.
Can I decorate the cookies with icing?
Yes, you can decorate the cookies with icing after they have cooled completely. Royal icing or buttercream icing are both good options.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
