Description

Soft, chewy, and speckled with real vanilla bean seeds, these Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies are a buttery and fragrant treat perfect for holidays, gifts, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean

Extra granulated sugar, for rolling

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the dough forms. Do not overmix.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and roll each ball in extra granulated sugar.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are slightly underbaked.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

To add variety, mix in white chocolate chips or citrus zest.

Sprinkle tops with colored sugar or edible glitter for holidays.

Cookies can be made gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Dough can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Freezes well for up to 2 months; reheat in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 145
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 25mg