Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

Singing Dog Vanilla Bean Paste Giveaway (Recipe – Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Bean Frosting)

I need to get one quick thing out of the way, and then on to the giveaway details! I want to give a special shout out to Amy from the blog, She Wears Many Hats. Amy created this gorgeous Clicks 4 a Cause button for me to use to raise money for my friend Ann. If you haven’t read about Clicks 4 a Cause, please head over HERE. If you haven’t visited Amy’s blog, get over there right now and show her some comment love. You are in for a treat as Amy has a little something for everyone. Her fantastic travel stories, yummy recipes, great antique finds are all wrapped up in a complete package that includes some gorgeous photos. I fell in love with Amy’s blog the first time I read it and now we’ve become fast blogging friends! Thank you, Amy!

OK – now about the vanilla! When I was younger, I think it was around the time I was in Kindergarten, my grandma Sumner was demonstrating to us all how to properly use a sharp knife. I don’t remember much, except all of us kids were standing around watching her when the knife slipped and she cut her finger pretty badly (in my mind, she cut the tip of her finger off, but I don’t fully remember!). That lesson in how to properly use a knife (or not!) stuck with me because I now refuse to cut anything without a cutting board.

Fast forward 30 years later and I am in my kitchen getting ready to make my friend Sandie’s Creme Brulee. I had a couple of really tough vanilla beans that would not slice open. Being the genius that I am, I picked up one of the beans, held it in the palm of my hand and attempted to cut it open that way. That was not a brilliant decision because the knife slipped and cut open the palm of my hand. Ouch!

One good thing came from that experience. I discovered the joy of Vanilla Bean Paste. Vanilla Bean Paste is much easier to use than vanilla beans, it is less expensive, and has a stronger flavor than pure Vanilla Extract. Plus, you get those great little bean specs in everything you make!

Last week the folks from Singing Dog Vanilla and Red Ape Cinnamon contacted me about trying their products. I am currently trying the Singing Dog Vanilla Bean paste and love how strong the vanilla flavor is! I tried it in these cookies and the frosting and the sweet vanilla flavor was really defined.

Now you get the chance to get your own bottle of Singing Dog Vanilla Bean Paste. All you have to do to be entered in the giveaway is to leave a comment on this post. Make sure you complete the form with your email address so that if your name is chosen at random, I can contact you! If we get over 100 unique comments on this post, I’ll throw in a jar of their Red Ape Cinnamon for the winner as well. All comments must be left by 11pm CST on Wednesday, September 16th. Good luck!

Sugar Cookies (from the kitchen of my friend, Jo Ann Emerson)

  • ¾ cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 t vanilla (I used 1 Tbs Vanilla Bean Paste)
  • 2 ¾ cup flour
  • 1 t baking powder
  • ½ t salt
  • Extra Special Buttercream Frosting (recipe follows)

In a mixing bowl, cream butter & sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Chill for 1 hour or until firm.

On a floured surface, roll a 1/3 of dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutter. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 375o for 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Repeat with remaining dough. Frost. Yield: 2 dozen large cookies

Extra Special Buttercream Frosting (from the kitchen of my friend, Jo Ann Emerson)

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 lbs. powdered sugar
  • ½ t salt
  • 2 t clear vanilla (I used 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste)
  • 6-8 oz. whipping cream

Cream butter and shortening until fluffy. Add sugar and continue beating until well blended. Add salt, vanilla and whipping cream. Beat on high speed until icing is fluffy. Note: This frosting should be refrigerated. Yield: 7 ½ cups

This recipe makes enough to frost 2 batches of sugar cookies or an extra large cake. Always start with a little whipping cream and gradually add (humidity affects the amount needed).

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Megan says

    I love vanilla and use it so many things (french toast etc.) but I’ve never tried using an actual vanilla bean! I’m going to have to try the cookie recipe above as well..I actually had a dream about really yummy sugar cookies the other night that I haven’t been able to shake! 🙂

  6. Jan says

    I have never heard of vanilla bean paste, but I love vanilla beans and the flavor they give. Would love to try this.

  11. AJ says

    Vanilla is my absolute favorite flavor. There’s nothing plain about it. And it enhances the savory as well as the sweet. I can’t wait to try those cookies and the frosting. Maybe I’ll just make the frosting.
    .-= AJ´s last blog ..Day 1 =-.

  12. Carla says

    This sounds amazing. I have never seen vanilla bean paste and would love to try it out. I invested quite a bit in some vanilla beans last year and sadly, they dried out before I got a chance to use them all. Shame, I know. Thank you for hosting this giveaway.

  15. Deanna says

    Oh, those cookies look so delicious. I always bake sugar cookies and Christmas for the little ones in the family to decorate. I think I’ll try this recipe next time. I love using vanilla beans but hate that they are so expensive! I’ll have to give the paste a try.
    .-= Deanna´s last blog ..Coconut Macaroons =-.

  19. Stacy says

    I cut myself all the time. I need knife safety scissors because I am rediculous. Anyway, just a note to tell you the cookies look delicious and Bryon wants your husband to ditch his family responsibilities and come out to party for the Iowa game..take care!

  22. Heather B says

    Love vanilla, its my favorite in just about anything! I’ve never tried vanilla bean paste but I’ve been interested in trying it for awhile!
    .-= Heather B´s last blog ..TWD: Espresso Cheesecake Brownies =-.

  24. rookie cookie says

    There are scads of recipes that call for vanilla beans or paste and I am just too flat broke to do anything about it. It’s quite devastating really. I just can’t justify $6 for one vanilla bean or $10 for paste. Listen to me singing my financial blues. Boo hoo.
    .-= rookie cookie´s last blog ..Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Bowl =-.

  25. AnneJ says

    Yum! I’ve never even heard of vanilla bean paste. I usually order my vanilla beans through our food co-op because they are about 1/2 price of the grocery store.

  27. Lynda says

    Sugar cookies are one of my favorites! Partly because they taste so good, and partly because of all the memories of my kids and I making them every holiday season. Vanill ben paste would be wonderful for this years cookies!
    Hope your hand is ok, Kristen, and I’m glad your computer problems have been resolved!
    .-= Lynda´s last blog ..Braised Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Dinner =-.

  28. Barbara says

    I’d love a chance to try vanilla bean paste. This is the first time I’ve heard of it and it’s such a great idea!
    .-= Barbara´s last blog ..Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day =-.

  33. Erin says

    Oooooh, I love vanilla. I love using the paste because it holds better than the whole beans, and there’s no scraping or wasting involved like there is with beans.

    Delish!
    .-= Erin´s last blog ..Bison Ribs, and the Many, Many Things We Did with Them =-.

  36. Frugal Femina says

    Sounds heavenly! I have been wanting to try the paste but haven’t yet. Thanks for the opportunity!
    .-= Frugal Femina´s last blog ..Frugal Finds: Free Coke, T.G.I. Friday’s, Flu Shots, Panera, and Lots, Lots More! =-.

  38. Heather @ what's blooming this week says

    This sounds like an amazing product – vanilla bean paste. I see it being used in so many different ways – creme brule, vanilla sugar, and of course your sugar cookies. Yum
    .-= Heather @ what’s blooming this week´s last blog ..Busy, Busy, Busy =-.

  39. TakeTheCake says

    I’m sold on the vanilla paste and willing to buy my own.. if I don’t win. I hope I win. Your sugar cookies do look pretty darned wonderful. I love a nice soft sugar cookie and I always ice mine too! With butter cream. Is there anything better? I think not.

  42. Jamie says

    YUM! I just used vanilla paste and cinnamon in cream cheese frosting for pumpkin bars!
    .-= Jamie´s last blog ..welcoming fall with Carrot Cake… =-.

  47. camille says

    Aw, I always don’t save recipes that call for vanilla bean past because I know I can’t afford to buy it! Wouldn’t I love to win some!
    .-= camille´s last blog ..moving soon… =-.

  49. Tricia Z says

    I love to bake, but had never heard of vanilla bean paste- what an awesome product! I would love to try it 😉
    Thank you

  50. Trysha says

    I admit to never using vanilla beans because they are expensive. Just not something I make room in the budget for.

  52. Pam Kennedy says

    Oh, this paste would be awesome. I’ve always used “Mexican” pure vanilla and I’m down to the bottom of the bottle and I have no plans to go back to Mexico anytime soon. This would be perfect, thanks. fingers crossed

  54. amy says

    I have never tried vanilla bean paste I bet it is awesome ( a word I do not use often at my advanced age)

  55. Rachel Feuer says

    The cookies look great!! I love the flavor of vanilla but often can’t be bothered to cut open a bean. The paste seems like a fabulous idea!

  57. Claire says

    I am so bad about “dreaming” about cutting myself while cooking…all those what-ifs! I love sugar cookies and would lOVE to try vanilla paste. I bet it has a great flavor. Mmm!
    .-= Claire´s last blog ..It’s ah Pizza-ah. =-.

  59. Kassy says

    Mmmm, those cookies look so good! I’ve never tried using real vanilla beans, but have always been interested. Maybe I’ll just try the vanilla bean paste instead 🙂

  60. Maggie says

    This looks so delicious! Much as I love to try other things, and saying this is rather cliche, (good) vanilla really is my favorite flavor!

  63. shelley says

    I would love totry the vanilla bean paste. Only problem would be I can’t use it for perfume. Hope your hand is alright.
    .-= shelley´s last blog .. =-.

  64. Kate at Serendipitz says

    I know what you mean about the knives. I once cut the tip off my little finger just before dinner guests arrived. I opened the door with my hand wrapped in a bloody towel held above my head, and asked them if they were squeamish…
    .-= Kate at Serendipitz´s last blog ..CLASSICS: Caesar Salad =-.

  66. Tashva says

    I’ve been wanting frosted cookies for weeks now. Someone bought the refrigerated dough and put canned frosting on it. It was not the same. Thanks!!

  71. Di says

    The cookies look great–very kid-friendly. =) My girls love to help me put sprinkles on things. I’ve been using vanilla beans recently, but haven’t every tried vanilla bean paste. I’ll have to check it out.
    .-= Di´s last blog ..Soufflé delay =-.

  73. Lydia says

    Ooh! I haven’t even heard of vanilla bean paste but am always wanting to make things with vanilla beans without forking over the cash.

    Browsing your blog for the first time; it’s lovely!

  74. Laura says

    Oh my gosh – awesome, on the button! Ouch, on the cut. GREAT, on the vanilla bean paste. I admit, I’ve never used a vanilla bean and therefore stay away from those recipes. I’m sure it’s not hard to find and use a real vanilla bean, but I never have and what I don’t know, I fear! ha. Would love to try this paste. Sounds super. Thanks for another fun giveaway! Hope you are well. 🙂

  75. Kendi says

    Hello there! I just came across your blog by way of “greatfullday” and I am enjoying prancing around in your world.
    Vanilla beans, to me, are so incredibly special that even though I have them in the pantry I may only reserve them for the most important dishes. Because I think they are such a luxury item, I find myself missing out a little on some of my dishes. But vanilla bean paste would be the perfect opportunity to run wild w/ vanilla! I’m checking out singing dog vanilla right now! Thanks for the post, and for the give away!

  76. Becky says

    I love fresh vanilla, but I agree about the beans…I’m always worried I’m going to slice myself open! BTW, my mom and I are both klutzes in the kitchen with knives. 🙂 I’d love to try the paste for making vanilla challah.

  77. Laurie says

    Ummm, those cookies look delicious!! I’ve never use vanilla bean paste before, but there’s always a first time for everything!!

  79. TasteStopping says

    Doing my part to get you up to the 100 comments mark. Oh, and, ahem, right, maybe score some delicious, delicious vanilla bean paste. I have a jar of vanilla beans rattling around in my spice rack from perhaps before Y2K. Talk about hard to slice. Yikes!

    Keep on truckin’ for Ann. I’ll be keeping her and her family in my thoughts.

    Best,
    Casey
    .-= TasteStopping´s last blog ..Apricots in a jam =-.

  80. Jessica says

    I just tried cupcakes with vanilla bean icing and have been searching for the recipe as well as vanilla bean paste so I could make them myself! Tastes like a vanilla milkshake. Yum!

  84. Claudia says

    Casey,
    I’d love to try the Vanilla Paste. I have had trouble with beans going dry too quickly so I think the paste would be fabulous. LOVE VANILLA !!
    I so hope my comments is the lucky one.
    Thank you – Claudia

  85. Janet says

    I agree with all the previous comments! Vanilla beans can be hard to work with and I would love to try the paste.

  86. Danielle Sollenbarger says

    I have never even heard of vanilla bean paste. Last night my friend made sugar cookies with extra vanilla and a little extra salt and they were so delicious! I’ll have to forward this to her to make sure she knows about it!

  91. Lisa says

    Ooh, I want to win this one so bad!!! All my life I’ve been sadly forced to using the terribly sad imitation vanilla. My scones, chocolate chip cookies and crêpe batter hanker after real vanilla. Poor, unhappy scones, cookies, and crêpes; they just feel so cheapened when I pour in that imitation vanilla.
    🙂

  94. Yen says

    ouch on the palm!!
    i’ve tried to make sugar cookies in the past and they always turned out terrible. i will definitely give this one a try 🙂
    .-= Yen´s last blog ..Monkey Bread =-.

  99. yael says

    Love that vanilla bean paste! Just recently discovered it and for me it is the perfect balance between the expensive vanilla beans and the sometimes not so tasty extract.
    .-= yael´s last blog ..Not so Easy =-.

  101. Fuji Mama says

    Those cookies make me so nostalgic! They look like the ultimate cookie that you’d want to bite into growing up.
    .-= Fuji Mama´s last blog ..Japanese Pop Quiz Answers + Microplane Winners! =-.

  102. Beth Graham says

    I love the flavor of vanilla and never feel like I get my money’s worth from actual beans – I think the texture of a paste would be so much easier to work with. I’d also be interested in trying it with some different types of dishes rather than sweets – there are some terrific international dishes that add a hint of vanilla that are not necessarily sweet, but leaning more towards savory. Would love to experiment with it!
    .-= Beth Graham´s last blog ..Pati Drumm Grady, The Cooperstown Cookie Company =-.

  115. sidney Pitt says

    I didn’t know there was such a thing as vanilla paste. Vanilla is my absolute favorite flavor both for food and for scents.

  116. mrsjaxies says

    leave it to vanilla to make something with little black flecks in it look totally delicious. if i win, i am making the hell out of these cookies.

  118. Dani says

    My daughter and I having been using a confectioners’ sugar cookie recipe for over twenty years. I think I might have to make a batch of these sugar cookies soon. I would love the opportunity to try vanilla bean paste. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.

  122. Susan says

    Never tried vanilla bean paste. My parents brought me some real vanilla from Mexico so you have to be careful how much you use. Yes-I have had Jo Ann’s cookies/frosting and they are to die for!

  125. thebrunettebaker says

    I cannot buy Vaniila Paste in my little town and have always wanted to try it. Thanks to you and the folks at Singing Dog for the giveaway!!

  127. Lisa says

    Vanilla beans can be dangerous when they get dry and tough. I know I have nicked myself trying to get them open too. Vanilla bean paste sounds like a great idea!
    .-= Lisa´s last blog ..Gelato =-.

  128. lululu says

    cant wait for the vanilla paste for now, i think i gotta try the cookie recipes!
    .-= lululu´s last blog ..Ragu alla Bolognese (Bolognese Sauce) =-.

  129. Lindsay says

    I’ve been meaning to bake with vanilla beans but this paste sounds like a fantastic (and bonus, less expensive!) alternative. I would love to be entered into the drawing. Thanks!

  130. wendy says

    I’ve never heard of vanilla bean paste before… sounds heavenly! I love vanilla with everything, even to the extent of dabbing a little bit on myself as I head out the door 🙂
    .-= wendy´s last blog ..before and after =-.

  133. Jamie says

    This vanilla bean paste sounds very interesting. I know how much vanilla extract adds flavor to baked goods, I can’t imagine the results from this product. Also, what a wonderful thing you are doing for your friend through Clicks4ACause. What a wonderful way to help.
    .-= Jamie´s last blog ..Rosemary Thyme Potatoes =-.

  135. Kelly says

    I’m still cringing at the thought of you cutting open you palm. Owie owie owie. It totally sounds like something I would do. I do love using vanilla beans and have wondered about the paste. Regardless of the outcome of your giveaway, I think I’m going to have to give it a try. There’s no such thing as too much vanilla!
    .-= Kelly´s last blog ..BBA Challenge Week 16 — Kaiser Rolls =-.

  136. Jess says

    It would be nice not to scrape vanilla seeds from under my nails for days after splitting a vanilla bean!

  140. Amy says

    Sugar cookies are the ultimate cookie. They can be made in so many ways! Can’t wait to try the recipe!

  141. Chez US says

    These sugar cookies look amazing, I love the frosting on them! I always know that when school starts it is the beginning of “sugar” cookie season. Will have to try out your recipe when we make them in October!
    .-= Chez US´s last blog ..A Mac Attack =-.

  142. Kim says

    Making cookies alway reminds me of being at my grandmothers house, she had over 100 cookie cutters- my cousins and I would have so much fun decorating them. Vanillia is still one of my fav’s
    .-= Kim´s last blog ..Mustard Flowers =-.

  143. Connie says

    Wow, beautiful cookies! I need a new sugar cookie recipe; the ones I used for Christmas last year from allrecipes just didn’t cut it. =[ Using vanilla bean paste intrigues me; I’ve never even used vanilla beans. They’re so expensive… maybe I should request some for a Christmas or birthday present, or just treat myself and go ahead and buy them!
    .-= Connie´s last blog ..Puff =-.

  144. nan says

    I can feel the pain. When i was longer i was makeing a cake for holloween a pumpkin frosted cake and i cut my finger tip on the food proceser blade ,. i was getting the nuts loose with my finger and it was very new and sharp. And slicing vanilola beans are sometimes hard .but if you slice on the bottom side and hold down the top side and run the knife blade away fome you having it on acounter or cutting board .

  146. Nancy says

    Thanks for the quick reply! I found you on foodgawker and have been searching for a soft sugar cookie recipe. Can’t wait!

  147. andrea says

    hi…. i love to experiment and bake….currently i am perfecting certain cake recipies, esp a heavenly poundcake recipie from scratch! i would love to try vanilla bean paste!

  148. Marlene Stoner says

    Can’t wait to trymy new vanilla bean paste. I’ve never used vanilla in this form before.

  150. Louise Hopkins says

    I just learned of this product on the member site of the Cooking Club of America. The vanilla bean paste sounds like a wonderful product that would be an asset to any kitchen! I am going to get some just as soon as I can afford it. With any luck I will win some…….

  151. Wendy Flick says

    Found your website through my Daughter Gina Kleinworth – I have been a cake decorator and love baking. Nothing puts a smile on your face more than when you present your freshly baked goods to your friends and family and watch them indulge….Your food blog has opened my eyes to new and exciting things to try….I would love to try this vanilla bean paste – what a novel idea -…..

    Look forward to more recipes and contests to enter….Best to you, The Sweet Baker in Canyon Lake, Ca

  152. Rose Hampton says

    I loved your story of how you spent time with your grandma in the kitchen. I too spent meny hours in the kitchen with my grandmother. Though we never had the mishaps you did, I have many great memories of cooking together.

    I am sorry I missed your contest, but lookforward to getting more information about the vanilla bean paste.

    Happy Baking!

  153. Judi Sullivan says

    I just read ad about your vanilla bean paste and I can’t wait to try it. ( I do alot of Baking). Where can I find it ?
    If you could let me know asap ( Christmas is coming fast), I would really appreciate it.

  154. Judi Sullivan says

    I just read ad about your vanilla bean paste and I can’t wait to try it. ( I do alot of Baking). Where can I find it ?
    If you could let me know asap ( Christmas is coming fast), I would really appreciate it.

  155. Linda Romberger says

    Singing Dog, I love that name, how unique and memorable, I would love to win the singing Dog vanilla paste, vanilla is so Dreamy and an important addition to alot of recipes, I love it !!!!, and woild love to Win It !!!, Please Please!!, Thank you also for the nice recipe of sugar cookies and Vanilla frosting!!! Hopefully yours , Linda Romberger, bluelyork@yahoo.com

  157. Nick says

    I love vanilla bean paste!! Have you ever tried chocolate extract as well? Great in chocolate chip cookies for a hint of something fantastic.

  159. taylor says

    wow, your website is incredible. I can’t wait to try many of your recipes. I appreciate all of your hard work. I have had so much fun looking at all your recipes. And, I know you will provide enjoyment to others when I share the yummy food I make from your website. Thanks so much!

  161. Nina says

    I was so glad to find a website that had unique yet easy to understand and make recipes. I have no problem reading and completing recipes but if reading the recipe takes longer than making it – I don’t bother. I found interesting recipes that I had not seen before which made it all the more fun.

  162. Kay Mazza says

    I just happened to come across this blog and started perusing it. Wow! I had recently been told about vanilla bean paste from a relative and cannot find it anywhere near me!! So, perhaps this is fate! Thanks

  163. Terri Cornelius says

    I cannot wait to try the vanilla bean paste in baking recipes. I love vanilla flavoring and using the vanilla bean paste sounds like an excellent source for this flavor. Is vanilla bean paste only available at singing dog or can it be found at a grocery store or specialy store?

    Terri Cornelius
    jacobs330@sbcglobal.net

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