Gourmet's Vanilla Bean Cookies
"I posted this in response to a request. The original version of this recipe came from Gourmet magazine. Plan ahead - the dough needs to chill at least 4 hours before slicing and baking. Save your empty vanilla bean pods after using in this recipe - if you stick the used pods into an airtight container of granulated sugar for at least a week, the sugar will become vanilla sugar for use in other recipes."
photo by Coppercloud
- Ready In:
- 5hrs 10mins
- Ingredients:
- 9
- Serves:
-
36
ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, chilled
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided,approximately
- 2 whole vanilla beans
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
directions
- Cream together the butter, chilled shortening, and 3/4 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy.
- With a sharp knife halve vanilla beans lengthwise, then scrape the seeds directly into the butter mixture, mixing to combine.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined well.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Set a large sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface.
- Set dough onto the waxed paper and form dough into a 10x2" log.
- Roll up dough log in wax paper, seal ends with rubber bands, and chill until firm, at least 4 hours and up to 3 days (stick wrapped log into a plastic ziptop baggie to keep from drying out).
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Pour remaining 1/4 cup sugar onto a shallow platter.
- Remove wax paper and roll dough log in sugar (not all sugar will stick).
- Cut dough into rounds,1/4" thick.
- Dip the cut sides of each cookie round into the remaining sugar on platter (add a little extra sugar if you need more).
- Arrange cookies 1/2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets and bake one batch at a time in the middle of your oven 10-12 minutes, or until edges are a very pale golden brown.
- Remove baked cookies to wire racks to cool.
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Reviews
-
I did bake two pans at a time with no problem. I just LOVE vanilla. These are very good! With a cup of Chai and your all set. Comfort Food. I also used red sugar to roll the dough in before baking (for Christmas!). -
Love these, make them every year for Christmas cookie bake off. I roll them in red or green sugar, gives them a little color. -
Easy, and Fabulous! I love Vanilla. I make these often and keep the frozen dough on hand for emergencies - Like I'm craving vanilla cookies again!
