Butter Cookies
Butter Cookies Recipe from Denmark | Simple Ingredients
Introduction
Butter cookies are a classic treat that are loved by many for their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're looking for a simple snack or a delicious dessert to share with friends and family.
History
Butter cookies have been enjoyed for centuries, with origins dating back to medieval Europe. These cookies were traditionally made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, creating a delicious treat that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Cream the butter until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the sugar.
- Gradually stir in the vanilla.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Blend in the flour and salt.
- Mix everything well.
- Wrap the dough and chill it for at least 2 hours.
- Lightly flour a pastry cloth and a rolling pin.
- Roll the dough to a thickness of about 0.13".
- Cut it into the desired shape.
- Place the pieces 1" apart on cookie sheets.
- Bake them at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes or until they become lightly brown.
- Allow them to cool, then frost and decorate them.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
- Mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent finishing touch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Use a pastry cloth and rolling pin to roll out the dough to a consistent thickness for even baking.
- Decorate the cookies with frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings to add a festive touch to your treats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve butter cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat, or package them up in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is a key technique for creating tender and delicate butter cookies. Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use margarine or shortening in place of butter for a dairy-free version of these cookies.
- Substitute almond or vanilla extract for the vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough for butter cookies ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months for future use.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the baked cookies on a decorative platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation. You can also stack the cookies in a clear jar or tin for a charming gift.
Pairing Recommendations
Butter cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including tea, coffee, milk, or hot chocolate. They also go well with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of butter cookies contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of butter cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of butter cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of butter cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Butter cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Butter cookies contain dairy (butter) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Butter cookies are a delicious treat that are relatively high in fat and calories, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Butter cookies are a classic treat that are loved for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious batch of these cookies to enjoy with friends and family.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a faded, yellowed piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground.
Curious, I picked it up and smoothed it out. The title at the top read "Butter Cookies." Intrigued, I scanned the ingredients and instructions, feeling a rush of nostalgia wash over me. These were the cookies that my own mother used to make for me when I was a child. The smell of butter and sugar baking in the oven, the warm, crumbly texture as they melted in my mouth - it all came flooding back to me in an instant.
I knew I had to make these cookies again, to recreate that feeling of comfort and joy that they had always brought me. So, armed with the recipe and a sense of determination, I set to work in the kitchen.
The first step was to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I remembered my mother's voice in my ear, guiding me through the process just as she had done so many years ago. "Creaming the butter and sugar is the secret to a perfect butter cookie," she had always said, her hands deftly mixing the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
Next, I added the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture began to take on a smooth, silky texture, and I could already smell the sweet, buttery aroma wafting through the kitchen.
As I sifted in the flour and baking powder, I thought back to all the times I had watched my mother work her magic in the kitchen. She had a way of moving with grace and precision, her hands moving with a fluidity that seemed almost magical. I tried to channel her energy as I rolled out the dough and cut it into delicate, round shapes.
The cookies went into the oven, and as they baked, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of butter and sugar. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them turn a golden brown, just like my mother's always had.
When they were finally done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste before they had fully cooled, savoring the rich, buttery flavor that filled my mouth.
As I bit into the cookie, I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over me. This recipe was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it was a connection to my past, a way to honor the memories of those who had come before me.
And as I sat at the kitchen table, enjoying a butter cookie just like the ones my mother used to make, I knew that this recipe would be passed down through generations, a symbol of love and tradition that would never fade.
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