Gourmet’s Vanilla Bean Cookies πͺ
Prep Time: 5 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Description:
These delectable Vanilla Bean Cookies are a delightful treat straight from the pages of Gourmet magazine. With a preparation that requires a bit of planning, these cookies are well worth the wait. The dough is infused with the aromatic essence of vanilla beans, resulting in a flavor that’s both rich and indulgent. Plus, here’s a pro tip: Don’t discard those used vanilla bean pods; instead, repurpose them to create homemade vanilla sugar for future culinary adventures!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | unsalted butter |
| 2 | vegetable shortening |
| 1 | granulated sugar |
| 2 | vanilla beans |
| 1 | egg |
| 1 | real vanilla extract |
| 1 1/4 | all-purpose flour |
| 1 | baking powder |
| 1/2 | salt |
Instructions:
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Cream Butter and Shortening: In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, chilled vegetable shortening, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Cream together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Prepare Vanilla Beans: Using a sharp knife, halve the vanilla beans lengthwise, then scrape out the seeds directly into the butter mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seeds are evenly distributed.
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Incorporate Egg and Vanilla Extract: Beat in the egg and real vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Form Dough Log: Place a large sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface. Transfer the dough onto the waxed paper and shape it into a 10×2-inch log.
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Chill Dough: Roll up the dough log in the wax paper, sealing the ends with rubber bands. Chill the wrapped log until firm, for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days. To prevent drying, store the wrapped log in a plastic ziptop bag.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
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Coat Dough in Sugar: Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar onto a shallow platter. Unwrap the chilled dough log and roll it in the sugar until coated (not all sugar will stick).
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Slice Dough: Cut the dough into rounds, each about 1/4-inch thick.
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Coat Cookies in Sugar: Dip the cut sides of each cookie round into the remaining sugar on the platter, adding a little extra sugar if needed.
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Bake Cookies: Arrange the coated cookies on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. Bake one batch at a time in the middle of your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a very pale golden brown.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before serving.
These Gourmet’s Vanilla Bean Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re indulging in a sweet treat for yourself or sharing them with loved ones. Enjoy the rich flavors and irresistible aroma of homemade vanilla goodness in every bite! π
