Are you craving a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This recipe recreates the beloved Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies, offering a simple yet elegant homemade treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Forget store-bought – these delicious dishes are better than anything you'll find in the supermarket! This is a recipe perfect for beginner bakers looking for quick dinner ideas or experienced cooks wanting to add a classic to their repertoire. Let's dive into this delightful journey of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but a sturdy hand mixer will also work. This step is key to achieving a tender crumb.
Step 2: Adding the Eggs and Almond Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract. The almond extract is optional, but adds a lovely subtle flavor that perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the cookies.
Step 3: Incorporating the Flour
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Shaping the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about ¾ inch in diameter. This is where you can get creative! You can use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform cookies, or just roll them by hand.
Step 5: Baking the Cookies
Place the cookie balls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between them as they will spread slightly. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Dusting with Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are cool, gently toss them in powdered sugar. This gives them that signature snowy-white appearance. You can repeat this process for an extra layer of sweetness and that classic Keebler look.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Danish Wedding Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender crumb.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking. Oven temperatures vary, so adjust the baking time as needed.
- Cooling Rack: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar. This prevents the sugar from clumping.
Variations:
- Chocolate Danish Wedding Cookies: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Different Extracts: Experiment with other extracts like vanilla or peppermint for unique flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 70-80
- Fat: 4-5g
- Sugar: 8-10g
This easy recipe provides a simple yet elegant dessert. These healthy meals, or rather, healthy snacks, are perfect for any occasion and are sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy these delectable, homemade cookies!