Scandinavian Browned Butter Cookies “Dreams”
Overview:
- Name: Scandinavian Browned Butter Cookies “Dreams”
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Description: These little cookies are so tender and light they virtually melt in your mouth. The dough is flavored with browned butter and with cardamom, a favorite baking spice thought Scandinavia.
- Recipe Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Scandinavian, European, Christmas, < 60 Mins
- Recipe Yield: 70 cookies
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 53.1
- Fat Content: 3.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 9.7mg
- Sodium Content: 5.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 5.9g
- Fiber Content: 0.2g
- Sugar Content: 3g
- Protein Content: 0.6g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 70 whole almonds, blanched
Instructions:
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Browning the Butter: In a heavy skillet, over medium-low heat, without stirring, melt the butter and allow it to brown. It should take about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once browned, strain the butter through a fine sieve into a metal mixing bowl.
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Chilling the Butter: Place the bowl of browned butter over a larger bowl filled with cold water and chill until firm. This step helps the butter solidify.
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Preparing the Dough: Once the browned butter is firm, stir in the sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, ground cardamom, salt, and ground nutmeg. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
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Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dough.
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Incorporating the Flour: Slowly blend in the all-purpose flour until the dough is well blended and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
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Shaping the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, using about 2 measuring teaspoons of dough for each one. Place the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart.
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Adding Almonds: Dip each almond into beaten egg white, then press one almond into the center of each cookie.
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Baking the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until they are set but not yet colored. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
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Finishing Touches: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool. Dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Serving: Enjoy these delightful Scandinavian browned butter cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family during festive gatherings.
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Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
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Scandinavian Feasts: These cookies are perfect for Scandinavian-themed feasts or as a sweet treat any time of the year. Their delicate texture and rich flavor will surely impress your guests.
Nutritional Tips:
- These cookies are relatively low in calories and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- To reduce the calorie content, you can use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
- Almonds provide healthy fats and a crunchy texture to the cookies, making them a nutritious snack option.
Allergy Information:
- Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (almonds).
- To make these cookies nut-free, you can omit the almonds or replace them with another topping of your choice.
Dietary Considerations:
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Can be made nut-free (see Allergy Information)
- Not suitable for vegans due to the use of butter and eggs.
Kitchen Tools:
- Heavy skillet
- Fine sieve
- Metal mixing bowl
- Bowl filled with cold water
- Baking sheets
- Wire rack
Conclusion:
These Scandinavian Browned Butter Cookies “Dreams” are a delightful treat that captures the essence of Scandinavian baking traditions. With their tender texture and aromatic flavor, they are sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Whether enjoyed during the holiday season or as a sweet indulgence any time of the year, these cookies are bound to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. So why not whip up a batch today and experience the magic of Scandinavian baking for yourself? 🍪✨