Vanilla Bean Sugar Cubes Recipes

VANILLA BEAN SUGAR CUBES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
• Cut the 4 vanilla beans into 1/2-inch pieces and grind to a coarse powder in a coffee grinder.
• In a large bowl, mix the sugar, vanilla bean powder and extract until thoroughly combined (when the extract is completely incorporated the mixture will look a bit like dough). Pour the sugar mixture into an 8 by 8-inch pan and spread out evenly to a 1/2-inch thickness. Next, use a knife to score out 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch cubes by running the knife the length of the pan every 1/2-inch and the width of the pan every 1/2-inch. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the pan from oven and let cool. Once cooled, carefully flip the pan over onto a large cookie sheet to remove the sugar. Allow to cool completely, and then gently break into cubes along the scored lines.
• To "round" the edges of the cubes gently pour them into a big pot with a cover and lightly shake. Check and repeat if necessary. Pour the cubes from the pot into a small holed colander or sifter and sift off any sugar particles that can be reserved as granulated vanilla bean sugar!
• You could have fun and experiment with these using orange zest and extract, mint, maybe cinnamon extract for teas -- what endless possibilities!
• Enjoy!

VANILLA SUGAR

Steps:

• If vanilla bean is whole, slice down side of bean with back of knife and scrape seeds into airtight container with the sugar. Bury bean in sugar and seal tightly with lid. Let sit for 1 to 2 weeks. Use as regular, granulated sugar.

VANILLA BEAN SPICE SUGAR COOKIES

Steps:

• Cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise.
• Carefully scrape out seeds, using a small sharp knife.
• Set seeds aside.
• Beat butter in a large mixing bowl at medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy.
• Gradually add vanilla sugar and vanilla bean seeds, beating until light and fluffy.
• Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
• Combine flour,spices and salt,gradually add to butter mixture, beating until smooth.
• Divide dough into four.
• Wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill 1 hour.
• Roll each dough to 1/4" thickness on a lightly floured surface.
• Cut with 3" and 4" your favorite cookie cutters.
• Place on lightly greased cookie sheets.
• Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are lightly browned.
• Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire racks, and cool completely.
• Combine 1/2 cup white chocolate morsels and 1 tablespoon shortening in a 1-cup glass measure.
• Melt morsels according to package directions.
• Place cookies on a wire rack over wax paper.
• Pour or spread white chocolate mixture over each cookie, tilting cookie to coat completely.
• Sprinkle cookies with sparkling sugar.
• Let stand until frosting hardens.
• Repeat procedure with remaining white morsels, shortening, and sugar until all cookies are decorated.

VANILLA-BEAN SUGAR COOKIES

Steps:

• In a bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter, shortening, and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. With a knife halve vanilla beans lengthwise. Scrape seeds into butter mixture and beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined well. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into mixture and beat until just combined.
• On a large sheet of wax paper form dough into a 10- by 2-inch log and roll up in wax paper. Chill dough until firm, at least 4 hours. Dough keeps up to 3 days wrapped in wax paper and foil.
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Put remaining 1/4 cup sugar on a platter. Remove wax paper and roll log in sugar (not all sugar will adhere to log). Cut log crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and dip cut sides of slices in sugar on platter. Arrange cookies 1/2 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets and bake in batches in middle of oven 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are pale golden. With a metal spatula transfer cookies to a rack to cool. Cookies may be made 2 days ahead (see note, above) and kept between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container.