Day 15 of 25 Days - Vanilla Bean Shortbread

I am bound and determined to find a shortbread recipe that works.  I think this recipe is close, but the search will still continue.  Is this the Norwegian in me - striving for the perfect buttery cookie?  These cookies are flaky, light and yes, buttery.  And with a hint of pure vanilla bean, these are nothing short of yummy.  The only problem with these is, well they're a little flat.  They are supposed to be cute round ball shape cookies, but I'm not sure where "I" went wrong.  I think my baking soda might be out of date.  None the less they still tasted super delish and no one would have been the wiser had I not said anything just now.  So give 'em a try and see if you can keep them in the round.

Vanilla Bean Shortbread

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened

1-1/2 cups sifted confectioners sugar, divided

1/2 teaspoon  vanilla bean

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups All-purpose GF Flour (I used Jules Gluten Free)

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup coarsely ground pecans, toasted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large bowl, cream butter, 3/4 cup confectioners sugar, vanilla bean and vanilla extract until fluffy.  In a small, combine flour and salt. Add dry ingredients and pecans to creamed mixture; stir until well blended. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until firm to touch and bottoms are lightly browned.  When cool enough to handle, roll in remaining 3/4 cup confectioners sugar.  Transfer cookies to waxed paper; allow to cool completely.  Roll in confectioners sugar again.

*recipe adapted for The Spirit of Christmas*