Sandbakkels or “Sandkaker,” are traditional Norwegian sugar cookies known for their delicate, buttery texture and crisp, golden shells. These treats are often baked in fluted tins and shaped like tartlets, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Often served during the holidays or at festive gatherings, sandbakkels are cherished for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and simple ingredients that let the rich butter flavor shine. This particular recipe reflects a straightforward, mid-20th-century American adaptation of the classic Scandinavian favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Step 1: Cream and Mix
- Cream the brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and salt. Mix until combined.
Step 2: Add Flour
- Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- If dough is too soft to shape, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Shape and Press
- Take heaping teaspoons of dough.
- Roll and press dough into sandbakel tins.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool and Refill
- When removing pan from oven, allow cookies to cool slightly.
- Turn each cookie out of its tin, then refill tins with more dough and repeat baking.
Tips
- Use white sugar for a lighter-colored cookie with a different flavor profile.
- Add a dash of almond extract for a more Scandinavian flavor.
- Use mini tart pans or muffin tins if sandbakkel tins are unavailable.
- For decoration, sprinkle with sugar before baking or fill with jam after baking.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
Calories: 87kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 53mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 0.001mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg
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