Double Vanilla Delights

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 375F.
2. 2
   Slice 1 vanilla bean lengthwise with sharp knife on flat surface.
3. 3
   Scrape seeds into bowl; reserve bean pod shell.
4. 4
   Add 1 cup butter to seeds in bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy.
5. 5
   Add sugar, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and egg; continue beating until well mixed.
6. 6
   Add flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; beat at low speed until well mixed.
7. 7
   Stir in walnuts.
8. 8
   Place additional sugar into bowl.
9. 9
   Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll balls in sugar.
10. 10
    Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
11. 11
    Bake 9-11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned.
12. 12
    Cool completely.
13. 13
    Slice 1 vanilla bean for frosting lengthwise with sharp knife on flat surface.
14. 14
    Open vanilla bean to expose seeds; place vanilla bean with seeds and reserved vanilla bean pod shell into 2-quart saucepan.
15. 15
    Add half & half; cook over medium heat until mixture just starts to boil.
16. 16
    Remove from heat; let mixture stand at room temperature 30 minutes or until cool.
17. 17
    Discard vanilla bean pods.
18. 18
    Combine half & half mixture, 2 tablespoons butter and 2 cups powdered sugar in bowl.
19. 19
    Beat at low speed, adding additional half & half if necessary for desired frosting consistency.
20. 20
    Frost cooled cookies.