Question 1

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you don't have vanilla bean paste on hand, you can absolutely use vanilla extract! Vanilla bean paste just gives you those beautiful little vanilla bean speckles and a stronger vanilla flavor in the glaze. And I have a lot of it to use up after testing 15 to find my favorite brand!

Question 2

Should I chill the dough before rolling it out?

Accepted Answer

In my experience, shortbread dough tends to crack more when it's cold. If your dough is too warm to roll out comfortably because it's sticking to the counter or your rolling pin, try refrigerating it for 10-15 minutes. That should help lower the temperature of the dough just enough to let it roll out easily without cracking.

Question 3

Do I have to glaze these cookies?

Accepted Answer

Nope! I like glazing shortbread cookies if I'm bringing them to an event as a snacking cookie, but I also like leaving some unglazed if I'm going to use them in something (like an ice cream mix-in).

Question 4

Should I chill the shortbread cookies before I bake them?

Accepted Answer

Chilling the dough right before baking helps set the exterior of the cookie, which helps prevent too much spreading. This recipe is fairly balanced, though, so it shouldn't spread very much unless the dough is really warm when you put it in the oven.

Personally, I like to chill the dough so that I can preheat the oven and clean up the kitchen during that time. And it does help give the cookies slightly sharper edges, which is always nice! But chilling isn't necessary if your cookies are still close to room temperature (72°F/21°C).

Cookies

Vanilla Shortbread Cookies

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Vanilla Macarons

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Lavender Madeleines

Easy-to-follow recipes with cleanup ratings

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