Shortbread Cookies with Vanilla Bean Glaze

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Shortbread Cookies are a deliciously buttery cookie that is really easy to make. They can be made as either cutout or slice and bake cookies; your choice. Dipped or drizzled in an amazing Vanilla Bean Glaze. Perfect winter/holiday cookies!

Vanilla Beans

Vanilla beans have an amazing aroma and flavor that absolutely elevates baked goods, dishes, and more! I purchased my vanilla beans from Java Sisters Vanilla. They provide premium quality vanilla from Indonesia. I love and support Java Sisters Vanilla because they are eco-friendly, fair-trade, and share 10 percent of the profits to various organizations. Visit javasistersvanilla to check out their website and order some delicious vanilla beans. For this recipe, I used Tahitian vanilla beans but you can also use bourbon Madagascar vanilla.

Vanilla beans can be used for so many things! As the holidays are fast approaching, the beans would make great homemade gifts and are an amazing addition to holiday baked goods.

Shortbread Cookie Ingredients

How to Make Shortbread Cookies

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1. Beat butter and sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.
2. Slowly add in flour and salt. Mix until just combined but don’t overmix.
3. Form the dough into a disc shape if doing cut out cookies or roll into a log form for slice and bake cookies.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. This ensures the butter hardens so the cookies hold their shape.
5. Once chilled, roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into 1/4-1/2 inch thickness using a rolling pin. Use desired shaped cookie cutters to cut out the dough. Use a spatula to transfer cutouts to the cookie sheet. Or slice into rounds if doing slice and bake.
6. Place on prepared cookie sheet and bake 12-15 minutes for 1/4 inch and add extra time for 1/2 inch. Bake until just barely golden on the bottom. (Cook time will depend on thickness).
7. Let cookies cool before glazing.

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Ingredients in Vanilla Bean Glaze

Java Sister Vanilla Beans

How to Make the Vanilla Bean Glaze

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1. In a medium bowl or mixing bowl, add powdered sugar and milk or water. For a thicker glaze use 1-2 tbsp of liquid.
2. Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise using a knife. Hold open the pod then holding one side of the vanilla bean scrape out the seeds using the knife. Place the seeds in the bowl.
3. Whisk the glaze until smooth.
4. Dip cookies into the glaze or drizzle glaze over top of the cookies. Allow 1-2 hours for the glaze to set and harden.

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Use Leftover Vanilla Bean Pod

Don’t throw away the vanilla bean pod! Here are some ideas of how to use the leftover vanilla bean pod:

• Vanilla simple syrup. Simmer water, sugar, and the pod in a small saucepan.
• Coffee creamer or milk.
• Vanilla sugar. Add the pod to granulated sugar to infuse flavor. It can be used in coffee, tea, and baked goods.
• Infused in liquor. Place in a bottle of rum, bourbon, vodka, etc.
• Vanilla extract. Let pod soak in a bottle of vodka for a couple of months.
• Bath salts. Mix with Epsom salt for a relaxing great smelling bath.

More Yummy Treats

• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
• White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies