These simple sweets will go quickly so make plenty. Plus, the homemade vanilla sugar makes a perfect holiday gift by itself!

Drop Sugar Cookies

2 sticks butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 Tbsps. buttermilk
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
Vanilla sugar for decorating (See recipe below. If you don’t want to make vanilla sugar, substitute Sugar in the Raw.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and baking powder. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Add in enough buttermilk to moisten and soften the dough without making it wet. Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using your fingers, moisten the top of each cooking with buttermilk and press gently to flatten. Sprinkle with vanilla sugar or Sugar in the Raw. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly golden. Let stand for 2 minutes before moving.

Vanilla Sugar

1 vanilla bean
2 cups granulated sugar

Slice one side of the bean lengthwise with the back of a knife and scrape podes into an airtight container. Add sugar and stir to combine. Bury bean in sugar and seal tightly. Let sit for 1-2 weeks. Use as you would regular sugar.