Vanilla-Bean Sugar Cookies

1. 1

   In a bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter, shortening, and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.

2. 2

   With a knife halve vanilla beans lengthwise.

3. 3

   Scrape seeds into butter mixture and beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined well.

4. 4

   Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into mixture and beat until just combined.

5. 5

   On a large sheet of wax paper form dough into a 10- by 2-inch log and roll up in wax paper.

6. 6

   Chill dough until firm, at least 4 hours.

7. 7

   Dough keeps up to 3 days wrapped in wax paper and foil.

8. 8

   Preheat oven to 375F.

9. 9

   Put remaining 1/4 cup sugar on a platter.

10. 10

    Remove wax paper and roll log in sugar (not all sugar will adhere to log).

11. 11

    Cut log crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and dip cut sides of slices in sugar on platter.

12. 12

    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.

13. 13

    With a metal spatula transfer cookies to a rack to cool.

14. 14

    Cookies may be made 2 days ahead (see note, above) and kept between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.