Vanilla Bean Spice Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 vanilla bean
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup vanilla sugar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips, divided
• shortening
• sparkling white sugar

Instructions

1. Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise.
2. Carefully scrape out the seeds using a small sharp knife and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened butter at medium speed until creamy.
4. Gradually add 3/4 cup vanilla sugar and the vanilla bean seeds, beating until light and fluffy.
5. Add 1 large egg, lightly beaten, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well.
6. In a separate bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg.
7. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until smooth.
8. Divide the dough into four equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
9. Roll each portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
10. Cut the dough with your favorite 3 and 4-inch cookie cutters and place them on lightly greased cookie sheets.
11. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
12. Cool the cookies on the sheets for 1 minute, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
13. In a 1-cup glass measure, combine 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening, melting according to package directions.
14. Place the cooled cookies on a wire rack over wax paper, then pour or spread the melted white chocolate over each cookie, tilting the cookies to coat them completely.
15. Sprinkle the cookies with sparkling sugar and let stand until the chocolate hardens.
16. Repeat the melting and decorating process with the remaining white chocolate and shortening until all cookies are decorated.