Vanilla Bean Icebox Butter Cookies

Stack of vanilla bean icebox cookies with pastel colored sprinkles on top.

Vanilla Bean Icebox Butter Cookies

These old-fashioned Vanilla Bean Icebox Butter Cookies are a crowd-pleasing and easy Christmas cookie to add to your festive baking or any cookie exchange or tray! Enjoy these delicious butter cookies plain, or decorate them however you wish for the holidays!

Prep Time15

Cook Time8

Chilling Time4

Total Time4 23

Servings: servings

Calories: 115kcal

Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients

1 cup butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar light brown
2 vanilla beans split and seeds removed (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt

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Instructions

In a stand mixer or with an electric mixer, cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Split vanilla beans lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape seeds into the dough and then add the eggs and mix until blended.
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the dough, beating until just blended.
Shape dough into 4 logs (about 2 inches in diameter); wrap each log in plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours or up to 3 days. These cookies can also be frozen, unbaked, for longer storage.
When ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 375°. Cut each log into ¼-inch-thick slices and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from baking sheets and cool on a wire rack. Decorate as desired or enjoy plain.

Notes

Optional add-ins: sprinkles, non-pareils, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

Nutrition