Save $40 on Supply Kit + All Access Class Pass!

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Paper Street Parlour

Paper Street Parlour

Cookie Decorating Classes & Supplies

AccountCart
  • Classes
  • Supply Kit
  • Recipes
    • Royal Icing
    • No-Spread Cookies
    • More Cookie Flavors
    • All Recipes
  • Tutorials
  • About
    • About Tyler
    • Contact Tyler
    • Subscribe for Updates
  • Shop
    • Online Classes
    • Supply Starter Kit
    • Tools & Supplies
    • Cookie Cutters
    • Gift Cards
    • Amazon Favorites
Home » Blog » Recipes

Vanilla Bean Shortbread Sugar Cookies

Tyler April Townley — 7 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Vanilla bean cookies on a pink plate, next to vanilla bean pods, and a knife with vanilla bean caviar

If you’re looking for a more elegant and understated cookie, these vanilla bean shortbread are perfect. They keep their shape, and don’t spread, so you can use this recipe for roll-and-cut decorated cookies, slice-and-bake cookies, and this dough is also the perfect base for tarts. I made some slice-and-bake cookies with these, that I sprinkled with sanding sugar before baking, and they tasted just like Royal Dansk cookies. So next time you get tricked by a blue tin filled with a sewing kit, you can whip up a batch of these!

You can use vanilla bean pods or vanilla bean paste for this recipe, and read my post on how to use a vanilla bean. And hang onto used vanilla bean pods and read up on how to make vanilla extract.

You can also use pre-made vanilla bean paste. Nielsen-Massey makes top-shelf vanilla bean paste, and you can never go wrong with any of their products. I recently found some organic vanilla bean paste from Taylor & Colledge that I love, and I’ve been using it in all my recipes instead of vanilla extract.

A single vanilla bean cookies surrounded by vanilla bean pods.
Look at all those beautiful vanilla bean specks!

If you would like more info on my preferred ingredient brands, tips and tricks, FAQs, and a little cookie science, I cover all of that in my No-Spread Lemon Shortbread Sugar Cookie Recipe.

Are these technically shortbread or sugar cookies?

They’re kind of both. It’s fine to call these either “decorated sugar cookies” or “decorated shortbread cookies.” But I’m going to refer to any of my cookie recipes that can used as a base for cookie decorating as “shortbread sugar cookies.”

Shortbread Cookies

  • 2 parts flour to 1 part fat
  • No eggs
  • No leavening agent
  • Dense and crispy

Sugar Cookies

  • 3 parts flour to 2 parts fat
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains a leavening agent
  • Light and Chewy

All of my shortbread sugar cookie recipes don’t rise or spread, can be used for cookie decorating, have egg, but no leavening agent, and have a 2 ¼ parts flour to 1 part fat. Which makes them fall somewhere between a shortbread and a sugar cookie. They’re both shortbread and sugar cookies, and neither shortbread or sugar cookies, at the same time. They’re Shrodinger’s cookies!

All of my shortbread sugar cookie recipes can be used for slice-and-bake cookies as well!

Overhead view of ingredients for vanilla bean cookies.
Vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, butter, egg, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Vanilla bean cookie surrounded by vanilla bean pods

Vanilla Bean Shortbread Sugar Cookies

No-spread vanilla bean cookies that can be used for cut-out decorated cookies, or slice-and-bake cookies.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cookies, cut out cookies, decorated cookies, roll and cut cookies, shortbread, slice-and-bake, sugar cookies, vanilla bean, vanilla bean cookies, vanilla bean shortbread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 15 cookies
Calories: 228kcal

Equipment

  • measuring cups and spoons
  • spatula
  • whisk
  • mixing bowls
  • paring knife
  • cling wrap
  • stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • cookie cutters
  • silicone baking mats
  • cookie sheets
  • rolling pin
  • large knife

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or beans scraped from 2 vanilla bean pods
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Whisk dry ingredients (flour and cornstarch) together and set aside.
  • Cream butter and sugars with paddle attachment, on medium-low speed, until fluffy and pale in color (about 5 minutes).
  • Add egg, extract, and vanilla bean paste, and mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Scrape down the paddle with a spatula, and then continue to mix on low speed for another 30 seconds to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
  • Add dry ingredients, all at once, and mix on low speed just until dough starts to come together and no dry bits remain. Do not overmix.
  • Turn dough out onto cling wrap, tightly wrap, and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
  • Knead, roll, cut out cookies, and return to fridge or freezer until firm. Leave a couple inches between cookies.
  • Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, rotate pan, and bake for another 1-5 minutes until edges are starting to turn golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and allow to fully cool on cookie sheet before handling.

Notes

  • Make sure all ingredients are room temperature.
  • The reason for adding 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to your dough is to prevent your cookies from shrinking or spreading during baking.
  • If making slice-and-bake cookies, split dough in half, roll into logs, wrap tightly in cling wrap or parchment paper, and refrigerate before slicing and baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to hear how it went! Rate & comment below!

Categories: Cookies, Recipes, Shortbread Sugar Cookies

You Might Also Like

Slice-and-Bake Christmas Design Cookies
Mexican hot chocolate shortbread sugar cookies on cooling rack.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Shortbread Sugar Cookies
A chocolate candy cane shortbread sugar cookie decorated to look like a mug of hot coco with a candy cane and whipped cream.
Chocolate Candy Cane Shortbread Sugar Cookies
Candy Cane Shortbread Sugar Cookies
Tyler April Townley

Hi, I’m Tyler!

A professional pastry chef turned teacher of all things cookie decorating & more. I’ve made thousands of decorated cookies, cakes, & treats for happy clients over the years. Now I’m sharing my knowledge so you too can bake & decorate like a pro.

Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter YouTube
About · Blog · Shop · Subscribe

Subscribe for Updates

Never miss a recipe or new online class!

You can also follow on Instagram & Facebook!

Learn to Decorate Today!

  • Online Cookie Decorating Masterclass
    Online Cookie Decorating Masterclass
  • Products included in my Cookie Decorating Starter Kit
    Cookie Decorating Supply Starter Kit

The All Access Online Cookie Class Pass will give you access to over 24+ current and future online cookie decorating classes for one low price. Your subscription never expires, and you will have access to every online cookie decorating class, including my cookie decorating masterclass.

Find Out More

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Have a comment or question? Cancel reply

    I'd love to hear from you! Your email address will not be published.

    Rate this recipe!




  1. julie chavez

    December 8, 2022 at 4:42 pm

    Do you have to put them in the freezer before baking, I don’t have any room in my freezer for that

    Reply
    • Tyler April Townley

      December 8, 2022 at 4:45 pm

      You don’t have to, but I do recommend it. Chilling them before baking helps prevent spreading as well as makes sure they bake crisp. If you have space in your fridge, that’ll work too.

      Reply
  2. Heather

    August 23, 2022 at 4:44 am

    Can this dough be used in a cookie press?

    Reply
    • Tyler April Townley

      August 25, 2022 at 10:11 pm

      I’ve never used this recipe with a cookie press. I’m going to test it out now that you’ve asked, but in the meantime, I’d suggest you look for a recipe for spritz/press cookies.

      Reply
    • Karen

      August 31, 2022 at 7:20 am

      Hi, Tyler! I got to this recipe from the vanilla bean group and your friend Lauren. I was wondering about your comment about this cornstarch. Do you mean to add an additional 1-2 T of cornstartch to the 1T you already showed, or just as an FYI that it can be done and helps? Thanks!! I’ll make them soon!!

      Reply
      • Tyler April Townley

        August 31, 2022 at 9:21 am

        Hi Heather, the note about the cornstarch is just an explanation of why cornstarch is one of the ingredients. You don’t need to add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch to your dough, although I’ve done it on accident before (lol), and it didn’t negatively affect the dough.

        Reply
        • Karen

          August 31, 2022 at 9:41 am

          Thank you for the explanation! I’m looking forward to making them and the not spreading….

          Reply

Primary Sidebar

Tyler April Townley

Hi, I’m Tyler!

A professional pastry chef turned teacher of all things cookie decorating & more. I’ve made thousands of decorated cookies, cakes, & treats for happy clients over the years. Now I’m sharing my knowledge so you too can bake & decorate like a pro.

Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter YouTube
About · Blog · Shop · Subscribe

Subscribe for Updates

Never miss a recipe or new online!

You can also follow on Instagram & Facebook!

Learn to Decorate Today!

  • Online Cookie Decorating Masterclass
    Online Cookie Decorating Masterclass
  • Products included in my Cookie Decorating Starter Kit
    Cookie Decorating Supply Starter Kit

Trending Recipes

  • Royal icing consistency examples How to Make Royal Icing
  • Lemon shortbread sugar cookies No-Spread Lemon Shortbread Sugar Cut Out Cookies
  • a single pineapple shaped, macadamia nut cookie, dipped in chocolate, surrounded by macadamia nuts and smaller cookies Macadamia Shortbread Sugar Cookies
  • Brown butter spiced shortbread sugar cookies on a cooling rack. Brown Butter Spiced Shortbread Sugar Cookies
  • Vanilla bean cookie surrounded by vanilla bean pods Vanilla Bean Shortbread Sugar Cookies
  • An earl grey shortbread sugar cookie decorated to look like a white teapot. Earl Grey Shortbread Sugar Cookies

Subscribe for Updates

Never miss a recipe or new online class!

You can also follow on Instagram & Facebook!

  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • Tutorials
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
  • Account
  • Cart

© 2023 Paper Street Parlour, LLC · Terms · Privacy · Site by Townhouse