Delightful Vanilla Half-Moons 🌙✨

These charming vanilla half-moons are not only delicious but also make a lovely addition to any dessert table! With a buttery texture and a sweet vanilla flavor, they are the perfect treat for gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

For the cookies

• 3/4 cup of softened butter
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 vanilla beans, divided
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of ground almonds

For the rolling sugar

• 2 cups of confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
3. Split one half of the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Stir the seeds into the butter mixture for an aromatic boost.
4. Gradually mix in the flour and ground almonds until everything is just combined.
5. Divide the dough into two pieces, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate until firm (about 1 hour).

❄️ Chilling the dough is crucial! It makes rolling easier and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
7. Take tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll them into little ropes about 2 inches long. Bend each rope into a half-moon shape.
8. Place the shaped cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.

🔥 Keep an eye on them while baking! The cookies should be lightly browned, not too dark, to maintain that delicate texture.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
10. While the cookies are baking, scrape the seeds from the remaining half of the vanilla bean and mix them into the confectioners' sugar.
11. Carefully roll the warm cookies in the vanilla-infused sugar right after they come out of the oven.

Tips for Success

• Freshness matters: Using fresh vanilla beans elevates the flavor significantly. If unavailable, pure vanilla extract can be used, though the taste will differ slightly.
• Nut allergies?: You can omit the ground almonds for a nut-free option, just replace them with more flour if necessary.

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Citrus Zest: For a refreshing variation, add some lemon or orange zest to the dough for a zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this treat gluten-free. Adjust baking time as needed.

With these delightful vanilla half-moons, you're sure to impress your friends and family! Enjoy baking these little treasures! 🍪❤️