Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings and Christmas desserts. The rich flavor of vanilla bean combined with the buttery texture makes these cookies irresistible.

The recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients, making it easy to prepare. These cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Easy Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These shortbread cookies are made with real vanilla bean, giving them a unique and aromatic flavor. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 24 cookies.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
1/4 cup granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Vanilla: Mix in the scraped vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract) until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a log about 1-2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Slice and Bake: Once chilled, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle granulated sugar on top of each cookie.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.