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["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 350u00b0 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."]
