Description
Scandinavian butter cookies deliver delicate sweetness with classic simplicity. Rich buttery layers melt gently, promising pure indulgence for cookie enthusiasts seeking authentic Nordic baking charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Flour and Fat):
- 2 ¼ cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (226 grams or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
Sweeteners:
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Decorations:
- Sanding sugar or sprinkles
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Craft a luxurious cookie dough by whipping softened butter with granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a silky smooth base. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency.
- Gently fold in flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together without overworking, which could result in tough cookies. The mixture should feel tender and slightly malleable.
- Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking. This resting period allows the flour to hydrate and flavors to meld.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for perfect cookie release.
- Using a piping bag with a decorative star tip, elegantly pipe rosette-shaped cookies onto the prepared sheets. Alternatively, roll small portions of dough into delicate spheres and gently press with a fork to create classic crosshatch patterns.
- For added visual appeal, sprinkle sanding sugar or delicate edible decorations across the cookie surfaces before baking, ensuring even distribution.
- Slide the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a delicate golden hue and the centers appear set but not browned.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which helps them firm up and prevents breaking during transfer.
- Carefully move the cookies to a wire cooling rack, letting them cool completely to achieve the perfect crisp texture.
- For an indulgent finale, consider drizzling or dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate, creating an elegant and decadent finish that elevates the classic butter cookie.
Notes
- Choose room temperature butter for the smoothest, creamiest texture that blends effortlessly with sugar.
- Avoid overmixing the dough after adding flour to prevent tough, dense cookies that lose their delicate crumb.
- Use a cookie press or piping bag with a star tip for professional-looking, intricate cookie shapes that impress guests.
- Experiment with flavor variations by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or finely ground nuts to customize the basic recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg