Slice open vanilla bean and scrape with a sharp knife. Put seeds into a bowl.
Add butter to seeds (or extract) and beat until creamy.
Add sugar, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and egg. Beat until well mixed.
Add flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Beat until well mixed.
Place additional sugar for rolling in a bowl.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar.
Place 2 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned around edges.
Cool completely
Frosting:
Combine cream, butter, vanilla extract and 2 cups powdered sugar into a bowl and beat until combined. Add additional whipping cream if needed to get a good spreading consistency.