Imagine biting into a cookie so divine, it transports you to a world of pure culinary bliss! These Glazed Vanilla Bean Cookies are not just another sweet treat – they're a luxurious experience that combines the rich, aromatic essence of vanilla bean with a perfectly soft, buttery texture. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality cookies that will have everyone begging for more. Get ready to elevate your dessert game and become the star baker in your circle!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla bean paste and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Once cookies are completely cool, dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon.
- Allow the glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly mixed dough.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the dough just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Use High-Quality Vanilla Bean Paste: The quality of vanilla dramatically impacts the cookie's flavor, so invest in a good brand.
- Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookies that bake evenly.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies when edges are just golden to maintain a soft, chewy center.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Ensure cookies are totally cool to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Customize Your Glaze: Experiment with adding a touch of almond extract or using different milk types for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
