VANILLA BEAN SPICE SUGAR COOKIES

Steps:

• 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 350° 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.