Rolled and Sliced Cookies
Christmas Cookies

• 1 vanilla bean, finely diced
• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 cups ground pecans (about 1/2 pound)

Combine diced vanilla bean and powdered sugar in an airtight container; let stand 3 days.

Cream butter in a large mixing bowl; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla. Add flour and pecans, mixing well. Chill dough overnight.

Let dough stand until soft enough to roll. Roll to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface; cut into desired shapes. Place 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool. Sift vanilla-flavored powdered sugar evenly over cookies while warm.

Yield: about 6 dozen.

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