Vanilla Bean Sparkle Cookies

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what makes holiday cookies truly special? It’s that melt-in-your mouth vanilla flavour, isn’t it? These vanilla bean sparkle cookies are easy to make and loaded with flavour!

Brief Overview

Sugar cookie recipes originated in Europe. They are now a Christmas tradition. This is an easy cookie recipe that takes about 1. 5 hours. The recipe makes around 24 festive cookies .

Main Benefits

These homemade cookies are pure joy. Vanilla bean adds amazing flavour. Serve them during holiday baking for extra cheer.

Why These Vanilla Bean Cookies Rock!

Honestly, who doesn't love a holiday cookie recipe ? But these are next level. The real vanilla bean takes them from "meh" to "Oh my gosh!". They smell incredible while baking!

Plus, these sugar cookie recipes are perfect for cookie decorating ideas . Get the kids involved and let their creativity shine. It's a great way to start Christmas baking traditions.

And seriously, who can resist sprinkle cookies ? I know I can’t! So grab your sprinkles, and let's get baking!

Time to cream some butter and sugar!

Ingredients & Equipment for Festive Holiday Cookies

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. Baking holiday cookies should be fun, not stressful. So, let's keep the ingredients and equipment simple, shall we? This sugar cookie recipe is a brilliant starting point.

These vanilla bean cookies are far from basic. We want something special, right? I promise, these will become a Christmas cookie recipe staple in your house.

Main Ingredients: The Cookie Breakdown

Okay, here's the shopping list. Don't worry, it's not scary! First the dough ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter, softened. Listen, if your butter is too melty, the cookies will spread. So, softened is key!
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar. Any brand will do.
• 1 large egg. Free range if you can.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Splurge for the good stuff, it makes a difference!
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped. Oh my gosh, the smell is divine! Seriously, I sometimes just open the jar to sniff.
• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour. Plain old flour is perfect.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder. This gives them a little lift.
• ¼ teaspoon salt. Just a pinch, mind you!

And now, the decorating goodness:

• 1 large egg white. Separate it carefully!
• 1 tablespoon water. Tap water is fine, we aren't fancy here.
• Assorted festive sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter. Go wild! This is where your personality shines through! This is key for sprinkle cookies .

The real vanilla bean is a game changer. It adds such a depth of flavour. If you can't find one, don't stress too much. Just up the vanilla extract a smidge.

Seasoning Notes: Secret Spice Squad

So, you want amazing flavour for your holiday baking ? For these festive cookies , don't skip these flavor boosters:

• Vanilla, vanilla, vanilla! The combination of extract and fresh bean is magic.
• A pinch of sea salt in the dough really brings out the sweetness. Honestly, it makes all the difference.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, add a tiny pinch of ground cardamom. It's unexpected but lovely!
• Vanilla extract substitute? Almond extract (use half the amount), or lemon extract would work

Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials

Right, you don't need a fancy kitchen to make these homemade cookies . The easy cookie recipe only needs a few key tools:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer. Honestly, you can even use a wooden spoon if you're feeling hardcore.
• Large mixing bowl. Obvious, right?
• Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy matters, especially with baking.
• Rolling pin. I use an old wine bottle sometimes, don't judge.
• Cookie cutters. Have fun with it! Stars, trees, gingerbread men… the more, the merrier! Cookie decorating ideas galore!
• Baking sheets. The bigger the better.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats. These stop the cookies from sticking.

Seriously, don't let fancy equipment stop you. I’ve made these cookies with the most basic tools. It’s about the love you put in. So get baking and make some Christmas baking memories!

Vanilla Bean Sparkle Holiday Cookies : Baking Bliss

Alright, let's talk holiday baking . These vanilla bean cookies aren't just your average biscuit. I'm sharing a secret, a simple sugar cookie recipe , but with a festive sparkle!

Honestly, I've made so many versions of Christmas cookie recipe over the years. I'm talking hockey pucks to sugary goo explosions.

But, after a lot of trial and error, these easy cookie recipe is a game changer.

Prep Like a Pro for the Ultimate Festive Cookies

First things first, mise en place , darling. Soften 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) of butter. Get your ¾ cup (150g) sugar ready.

Crack that 1 large egg and scrape those vanilla bean seeds. Measure out 2 ½ cups (300g) of flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Organization is key, mate! No one wants a flour explosion mid-bake. Don't forget to grab your sprinkles. You know, those that make your homemade cookies sparkle!

The Cookie Caper: A step-by-step Adventure

1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds.
3. Whisk the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
4. Slowly add the dry to the wet, mixing until just combined.
5. Chill that dough! Wrap it up and chill for at least 1 hour .
6. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line your baking sheets.
7. Roll the dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut out your festive shapes.
8. Brush with egg wash and go crazy with the sprinkles, thinking about the cookie decorating ideas !

Bake for 8- 10 minutes , until lightly golden. Let them cool completely.

Cookie Master Secrets

Want perfect holiday cookies ? First, chill the dough! It stops spreading. Don't overmix or they'll be tough. Seriously, these cookies will taste amazing!

Want to make these even more special? Before baking, press some coarse sugar onto each cookie for a real sparkle.

Avoid this if you are already using a lot of sprinkle cookies .

Recipe Notes: My Holiday Cookie Confessions!

Right, so you're about to embark on your holiday baking adventure with these vanilla bean cookies , aren't you? Honestly, baking these holiday cookies brings back so many memories.

One year, I tried to make them with my niece, and we ended up with more sprinkles on the floor than on the cookies! But hey, that's part of the fun, innit? Let's make sure your cookies turn out scrummy, shall we?

Get Your Plating On: Serving Suggestions

Forget being basic! These festive cookies deserve a bit of pizzazz. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for a proper afternoon tea vibe, or get all Hygge with a rustic wooden board.

I once saw someone thread them onto ribbon for a edible Christmas tree decoration mind blown! For drinks, you can't go wrong with a classic cuppa, but a glass of chilled prosecco also works wonders for adult gatherings.

Blimey, thinking about cookie decorating ideas makes me want to start now.

Storage Hacks: Keeping Your Cookies Fresh

Here's the lowdown: these sugar cookie recipe goodies keep pretty well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

If you're thinking long term, they freeze like a dream. Just pop them in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to scoff them, let them thaw at room temperature. Reheating isn't usually necessary (who can wait?), but a quick zap in the microwave for 5-10 seconds can make them extra soft.

Remix Time: Variation Station

Fancy a bit of a twist? For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend easy peasy! If you're feeling fruity, add some orange or lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy punch.

I once experimented with a vegan version using coconut oil instead of butter. They were surprisingly good. For a twist in flavours for your christmas cookie recipe , add a teaspoon of ground ginger or cinnamon for a spicier flavour.

Nutrition Nuggets: The Basics

Okay, let's be real. These are homemade cookies , so they're not exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Roughly, each cookie is about 120 calories.

Plus, they're packed with happiness, which is arguably the most important nutrient of all. Also, if you are looking for an easy cookie recipe to bake in short time this is the one!.

And there you have it! Remember, baking should be fun. Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes (we all do!), and most importantly, enjoy the process of christmas baking .

These sprinkle cookies are all about spreading the holiday cheer, so get baking and make some memories. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My holiday cookies spread too much when baking. What did I do wrong?

Cookie spreading is a common baking woe! Usually, it's because the butter was too soft (almost melted) or the dough wasn't chilled long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, and don't skimp on the chilling time it's like a spa day for your dough. Also, avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I make the dough for these holiday cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can! In fact, chilling the dough is beneficial. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out, like rescuing it from a polar expedition!

What's the best way to store these vanilla bean sparkle holiday cookies so they stay fresh?

To keep your holiday cookies tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 3-5 days though, let's be honest, they probably won't last that long!

You can also freeze baked cookies for longer storage; just make sure they're completely cooled before freezing.

I'm not a huge fan of vanilla. What other flavour variations can I try with these holiday cookies?

These cookies are a blank canvas for flavour! For a citrusy twist, add lemon or orange zest to the dough. Chocolate chips or chopped nuts are always a winner, like adding a bit of magic to your tea. Or try almond extract instead of vanilla (use half the amount) for a completely different flavour profile.

Are there any tips for getting the sprinkles to stick nicely to the holiday cookies?

The trick is to apply the sprinkles immediately after brushing the cookies with the egg wash. The egg wash acts like glue, ensuring those sprinkles stay put. Don't wait too long, or the egg wash will dry, and the sprinkles will roll right off like stubborn toddlers!

Can I make these holiday cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe to be gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help hold the cookies together.

The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious and perfect for sharing!