Easy Sugar and Vanilla Bean Cookie Recipe

As Christmas approaches, there’s magic in the air—twinkling lights, festive songs, and the excitement of Santa’s arrival. One of the best ways to channel that holiday spirit is by baking cookies. Not just any cookies, but those delightful sugar and vanilla bean cookies that melt in your mouth and leave everyone craving more. Whether or not Santa takes a bite, the true joy is in the laughter, the sugar-dusted faces, and the creative mess that makes your kitchen come alive.

Baking cookies isn’t just about creating treats; it’s about creating memories.

Baking together offers precious moments to connect. Kids love feeling involved, whether they’re rolling dough or sprinkling sugar.

My son just loved operating the stand mixer, he was thrilled to be involved in the process. Working with the icing was happiness on another level as he could unleash his imagination and creativity. Seeing kids’ faces light up when they taste their creations is the ultimate reward.

Here’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for baking with kids. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are kid-friendly to keep the fun element alive.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 8-10 minutes
Serves: 15-18

Ingredients:

• Unsalted butter, softened 100 g
• Powdered sugar 80 g + extra for icing and dusting
• Large egg 1
• Vanilla extract ½ tsp
• Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
• All-purpose flour 200 g
• Baking powder ½ tsp
• Salt a pinch

Method

1. In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds until well combined.
   
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
   
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step makes it easier to roll out.
   
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
   Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes—stars, trees, snowmen, and more!
5. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool completely before decorating.

Once the cookies have cooled, let the decorating begin! Make a simple sugar icing by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk or lemon juice. Separate into bowls and add food coloring for a festive palette. Provide sprinkles, edible glitter, and candies for added flair. I avoided food colors and used sugar icing, melted dark chocolate, and crushed candy cane.