Danish Brown Butter Cookies are indeed a delightful treat, especially when you’re considering gifting them. Here’s a simple recipe for these delicious cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans) – optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Butter:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook the butter, stirring frequently until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Once browned, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the browned butter into the mixture and stir until well combined. If using nuts, fold them into the dough.
- Chill the Dough:
- Shape the cookie dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Once the dough is chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. Roll the dough into small balls or shape them using cookie cutters if desired.
- Bake:
- Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Once the cookies have cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
- Packaging for Gifting:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can pack them in festive boxes, tins, or jars. Add a ribbon or a personalized tag for a special touch.
These Danish Brown Butter Cookies have a rich, nutty flavor, making them a perfect homemade gift. They’re not only delicious but also have a beautiful, golden-brown appearance that adds to their charm. Enjoy gifting these delightful treats!