Vanilla Bean Shamrock Cookies
Delightful cookies with a rich vanilla flavor and soft texture, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour provides structure
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder helps with leavening
- 0.25 teaspoon salt enhances flavor
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened adds moisture
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar sweetens and adds texture
- 1 whole vanilla bean, seeds infuses rich flavor
- 1 large egg, at room temperature binds ingredients
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract boosts vanilla flavor
For Vanilla Bean Buttercream
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened creates a creamy texture
- 0.5 whole vanilla bean, seeds adds depth of flavor
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted sweetens and thickens
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream adds richness
- 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract enhances flavor
- to taste salt balances sweetness
- gel food coloring (optional) for decoration
- sprinkles (optional) for decorating
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to a suitable temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the seeds from the whole vanilla bean, the egg, and pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
- If necessary, refrigerate the dough if it is too soft before scooping it onto prepared baking sheets.
Baking
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Buttercream Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the seeds from the half vanilla bean. Cream together.
- Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is spreadable. Add salt to taste.
- If desired, add gel food coloring for decoration.
- Frost the completely cooled cookies with the Vanilla Bean Buttercream and decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
Use room-temperature butter and avoid overmixing the dough for the best results. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.