Norwegian Butter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery and Delicious: The star of these cookies is the rich, velvety butter, which gives them an irresistible flavor and smooth texture.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a batch of cookies that are both simple to make and delightfully indulgent.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies make an excellent gift during the holidays, a treat for a gathering, or a sweet addition to your afternoon tea or coffee.
• Customizable: You can add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even a hint of vanilla or almond extract to give these cookies a personalized twist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until combined. If you’re adding vanilla extract, do so at this stage.
4. Shape the Cookies:
   • Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You can also shape the dough into a log and slice it into rounds if you prefer that shape.
5. Bake:
   • Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork or your hands. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cookies have set.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 20 cookies.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the tops of the cookies before baking for a fun, festive touch.
• Flavored Cookies: Experiment by adding almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for additional flavor variations.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking. Simply roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon to balance the flavor.

Can I use a mixer instead of beating by hand?

Yes, using an electric mixer will speed up the process and give you a lighter, fluffier texture.

Can I make these cookies in advance?

These cookies store well, so feel free to bake them in advance and keep them fresh in an airtight container for up to a week.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can add colored sprinkles, drizzle the cookies with chocolate, or use festive cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may differ slightly. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes, these cookies make a perfect gift! Place them in a decorative tin or jar for a thoughtful homemade present.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition to these cookies. Add about 1/4 cup of chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes, as they can quickly go from golden to overbaked.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if needed and bake in batches if your baking sheet isn’t large enough to hold all the cookies at once.

Conclusion

Norwegian Butter Cookies are simple yet delightful, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday treat, a party, or just because, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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