Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies (Print Version)

Soft, buttery sugar cookies infused with real vanilla bean, perfect for decorating or enjoying any time.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture appears light and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until all ingredients are well blended.
04 - Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing only until incorporated. Avoid overworking the dough.
05 - Divide the dough into two halves, shape each into disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disk to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and arrange on prepared sheets with 1 inch spacing.
08 - Bake cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden.
09 - Leave cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Enjoy cookies plain or decorate as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
  • Quick to prepare and bake in under 30 minutes plus chilling
  • Easy for decorating with icing or sprinkles
  • Texture is tender with a balanced sweetness
  • Dough freezes beautifully for future baking
02 -
  • Each cookie is vegetarian friendly and can be adapted for food allergies
  • They freeze well both baked and as dough
  • Versatile for every celebration from birthdays to holidays
03 -
  • Let your butter come to room temperature naturally for the fluffiest dough
  • Chill the shaped cookies before baking to preserve crisp edges
  • Use a gentle touch when mixing in the flour to keep cookies soft

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