Classic Flaky Butter Cookies
Classic Scandinavian festive butter cookies with a crisp pastry dough, piped into a variety of shapes and finished with assorted decorations.
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2⅓ cups
salt
¼ teaspoon
unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup (2 sticks)
powdered sugar
1 cup
large egg
1
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
almond extract
¼ teaspoon
chopped sliced almonds (optional, finely chopped)
⅓ cup
Instructions
1
Preheat and Prepare
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Grease two baking sheets.
2
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour and salt together in a medium bowl; set aside.
3
Make the Dough
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 30 seconds. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for another 30 seconds. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in three batches, beating just until combined.
4
Pipe and Bake
Transfer the dough to a large piping bag fitted with a medium closed-star tip and pipe into shapes as directed below. Sprinkle with almonds if desired. Bake one sheet at a time for 7 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just golden brown. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
