Swedish butter cookies, also known as “Brysselkex” in Swedish, are a delightful treat that will melt in your mouth. These cookies have a delicate, buttery flavor and a beautiful, crumbly texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe for Swedish butter cookies is easy to follow and sure to impress.
A Taste of Sweden in Every Bite
Imagine biting into a cookie so light and airy, it practically dissolves on your tongue, leaving behind a sweet, buttery flavor that makes you crave for more. That’s the magic of Swedish butter cookies. These cookies are a staple in Swedish bakeries and homes, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To create these delightful Swedish butter cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles or pearl sugar for decoration
Tip: Using high-quality butter is key to achieving that rich, buttery flavor these cookies are known for.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (optional)
Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step to make things easier.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Once the butter and sugar mixture is light and airy, add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumps in your cookie dough.
Step 4: Gradually Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
Step 7: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
Step 8: Decorate (Optional)
If you’d like to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal, sprinkle the unbaked cookies with sprinkles or pearl sugar.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Swedish Butter Cookies:
- Room Temperature Butter is Key: Using softened butter is crucial for achieving the right texture. If your butter is too cold, the cookies may turn out tough.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in chewier, less tender cookies.
- Chilling Time Matters: Chilling the dough helps it firm up, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Even Baking is Essential: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQs:
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Q: What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
A: While all-purpose flour yields the best results, you can try substituting it with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe if you’re using salted butter.
Swedish Butter Cookies Ingredients
Serving Suggestions:
These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea, serve them as a sweet treat after a delicious meal, or package them up as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Swedish Butter Cookies Baking
Explore More Delicious Recipes:
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other tempting treats on Family Cuisine:
- How to Make a Swedish Tea Ring: Discover the art of creating a beautiful and delicious Swedish tea ring that’s perfect for special occasions.
- How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies: Learn how to bake soft and chewy gingerbread cookies that are bursting with holiday flavors.
We hope you give these Swedish butter cookies a try! They’re incredibly easy to make and sure to become a new family favorite. If you do, be sure to share your baking experience with us in the comments below. Happy baking!
