Vanilla Bean Tea Cookies

 

If you like shortbread-type cookies and are a lover of all things vanilla...this is a recipe for you.  Laced with a double hit of vanilla...these simple tea cookies feature tiny flecks of vanilla bean and are the perfect accompaniment for tea drinkers and coffee drinkers alike!

• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup icing sugar (confectioner's sugar)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour

1. Split the vanilla bean with a sharp knife.  Scrape out the seeds and discard the bean.
2. Cream butter, sugar and vanilla bean seeds until pale and creamy. 
3. Add vanilla extract.
4. Blend in flour and stir to combine.
5. Turn the soft dough onto floured board and form two disks. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4" thick and cut out cookies in desired shape.
7. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
8. Set the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.  This will firm up the dough so the cookies retain their shape while baking.
9. Bake at 350°F for about  8-10 minutes or until firm.
10. Cool on rack.

Yield: About 3 dozen medium sized cookies