Combine the softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed, until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Observe the mixture turn pale and slightly increased in volume.
1 egg large egg
Add the egg and vanilla seeds to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. The mixture should look cohesive and glossy.
1 large vanilla bean, 1 cup chopped almonds
Gradually add the sifted flour, mixing on low speed until just combined, forming a soft dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
2 cups all-purpose flour
Fold in the toasted chopped almonds and chocolate chips, distributing evenly throughout the dough. These will act as the quills and decorative features of the hedgehog faces.
1 cup chopped almonds, 1/2 cup chocolate chips or small nuts
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, portion out small balls of dough and roll into smooth rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the surface appears slightly firm. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
Once cooled, dip the base of each cookie into granulated sugar to give a slight glaze. Use additional chocolate chips or nuts to add quills and facial features, sticking them onto the surface as desired for a hedgehog appearance.
1/2 cup chocolate chips or small nuts, 1/4 cup granulated sugar
