Vanilla Bean Shortbread & Sugar Cookies: Classic Elegance with a Vanilla Twist

Vanilla bean shortbread and sugar cookies are timeless treats that combine buttery richness with the warm, aromatic flavor of real vanilla beans.

Why Vanilla Bean Shortbread & Sugar Cookies Are Trending in 2025

• Natural Vanilla Flavor: Real vanilla bean paste or scraped pods provide authentic flavor and beautiful flecks, preferred over artificial extracts.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Recipes now cater to diverse dietary needs without sacrificing taste or texture.
• No-Spread & Slice-and-Bake Doughs: Popular for ease of shaping, decorating, and gifting.
• Artisanal Appeal: Visible vanilla bean specks add sophistication and signal quality ingredients.
• Perfect for Gifting: Shortbread cookies packaged in jars or tins are trending as premium edible gifts.

Easy Vegan Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies (5 Ingredients)

Ingredients

• ½ cup vegan butter, softened
• ½ cup organic powdered sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions :

1. Cream vegan butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, and flour; mix until dough forms.
3. Wrap dough in parchment, chill for 1 hour.
4. Roll dough to ½ inch thickness, cut into shapes, and place on baking sheet.
5. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool before serving.

Vanilla Bean Shortbread Sugar Cookies for Decorating

Adapted from Paper Street Parlour

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or scraped vanilla beans from 2 pods
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions :

1. Whisk flour and cornstarch; set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugars until pale and fluffy.
3. Add egg, vanilla bean paste, and extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until dough forms.
5. Wrap dough, refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
6. Roll, cut, and chill dough before baking.
7. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden. Cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Vanilla Bean Cookies

• Use high-quality vanilla bean paste or scrape fresh vanilla pods for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
• For vegan versions, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives like olive oil vegan butter sticks.
• Chill dough well to prevent spreading and maintain shape, especially for decorated cookies.
• For extra texture and sparkle, sprinkle sanding sugar on top before baking.
• Store cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

To get the best flavor and authentic vanilla specks, source premium vanilla beans  from trusted suppliers. Aayuluxe offers sustainably sourced, vanilla beans perfect for baking and cooking.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These vanilla bean shortbread and sugar cookies melt in your mouth with buttery richness and a fragrant vanilla aroma. Their delicate crumb and subtle sweetness make them ideal for pairing with coffee, tea, or as a sophisticated gift.