Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies

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These are the BEST Soft & Chewy Vanilla Bean Cookies! These cookies require no chilling, made with 6 ingredients and so easy to make. They are ultra soft, chewy, loaded with warm vanilla flavor and perfect for any occasion.

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vanILLA BEAN COOKIES

If you’re looking for the ultimate soft and chewy sugar cookie, these Vanilla Bean Cookies are my top 3 favorite cookies on my blog! They are everything you dream about in a sugar cookie except these are loaded with warm vanilla flavor and whole vanilla beans that are in the vanilla paste. 

These Vanilla Bean Cookies are rolled in sugar so they have a stunning sparkling appearance that everyone will love. Perfect for any and all occasions and truly is the best cookies with the best flavor of real vanilla bean, there just isn’t any other cookie like this one.  They have a slight crunch on the outside from the sugar then a super soft and almost gooey inside.

Unlike traditional sugar cookies, we don’t use a cookie cutter or have to wait to chill the dough. You just need 6 ingredients and the key is using vanilla bean paste. The paste is different than regular vanilla extract because it’s made with vanilla bean seeds and provides a rich and bold vanilla flavor. 

If you love buttery sugar cookies like us, try my Shortbread Cookies, Sugar Cookie Bars, Cut-Out Cookies, and Giant Sugar Cookies.

key ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level the flour when measuring it. Be sure not to scoop it out of the bag using the measuring cup. This way, you won’t accidentally measure out too much. 
• Baking powder and baking soda: Used as a leavening agent.
• Butter: I used salted butter so you don’t have to add salt but you can also use unsalted butter, just add 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the recipe. It’s best if the butter is at room temperature and slightly softened.
• Sugar: We use white sugar to add the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Eggs: You’ll need one large egg at room temperature.
• Vanilla bean paste: The key and star ingredient! You can find this at just about any grocery store in the baking aisle. Vanilla bean pastes adds so much warm and rich vanilla flavor that makes these cookies extra delicious. If you aren’t able to find the paste, use pure vanilla extract instead. 

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST vanilla bean COOKIES

Prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lines 2 cookie sheets or sheet pan with a silpat mat or parchment paper.

Mix together dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl with an electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy- about 1 minute. Add the egg and vanilla bean paste and beat until combined.

Add dry mixture to wet ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture in 1/2 cup increments, mixing to combine each increment. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Scoop cookie dough balls: Once a the cookie dough is formed use a small ice cream scoop and form the cookie dough balls. Roll dough balls in extra sugar and place on the cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. The additional sugar coating makes these cookies a bit crispy on the edges and makes them extra pretty and sparkly. Rolling the cookies in sugar is optional but I highly recommend it!

Bake: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes until the cookies have lightly spread and the bottoms will be light golden brown. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE AHEAD, STORE, & FREEZE 

Make-ahead: Roll the cookie dough balls in sugar, and place the cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet. Place the cookies into the freezer and freeze for 1 hour so the cookies are firm. Transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe zip lock bag (gallon size works great) and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to bake your frozen cookies, simply place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding about 3-4 minutes to the baking time.

To-Store: Once the cookies are baked, place them in an airtight container or place them on a plate and wrap with plastic wrap. Store the cookies for up to 1 week on a cool counter area.

Freeze: Simply place the baked cookies in a freezer-safe zip lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to defrost, remove the cookies from the freezer and let them thaw for a few hours.

CAN YOU ROLL THESE COOKIES OUT AND USE COOKIE CUTTERS?

No. This sugar cookie dough is a bit softer then your standard roll out cookie dough. The dough would need a vast amount of flour and the cookies just wouldn’t be the same. One of the best things about this recipe is you don’t need to bust out your rolling pin! All you do is simply scoop the dough, roll, and bake. Easy peasy.

TIPS & VAriAtions

• Room temperature ingredients: It’s important that your egg and butter are at room temperature. They incorporate with the other ingredients so much better then when they are. This will also help your cookies stay tender and soft.
• Make these into ice cream sandwiches: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the center of one cookie and press another cookie on top.
• Can be made for any holiday. You can make these cookies for any holiday or occasion. I love making these for birthdays by rolling the dough balls in rainbow sprinkles or Christmas by using red and green sprinkles.
• Roll in vanilla sugar: For more vanilla flavor instead of using regular sugar. 
• Don’t over bake cookies: To make these extra soft, be sure to only bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes.

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HOW TO DECORATE SUGAR COOKIES

These cookies are perfect for any time of the year and any occasion. You can use themed colors or sprinkles depending on the occasion or holiday.

• Frosting: If using frosting, do not roll cookie dough balls in sugar. Once the cookies are cooled, spread your favorite icing on top. Any frosting would be delicious with this recipe! Adding a pinch of sprinkles on top is always fun.
• Sprinkle Cookies: Roll the cookie doughballs in sprinkles instead of sugar. Any sprinkles can be used. Rainbow sprinkles are my favorite and would make fun birthday or celebration cookies.
• Confetti cookies: Another fun twist with sprinkles is to add 1/4 cup of sprinkles to the cookie dough for a confetti sugar cookie. The sprinkles would be inside the dough and make these cookies look extra fun.

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This recipe was last updated June 24, 2024 to include additional photos and information. Originally posted June 1, 2020 By Kathryn Donangelo.