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
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading during baking
- Lightly flour Sandbakkel tins before pressing dough in
- Use a small tart tamper or fingertips for even thickness
- Do not overbake — edges should be just lightly golden
- Cool slightly before removing cookies from tins to avoid breakage
- These cookies store well in airtight tins for up to 2 weeks
- Traditionally served plain, but can be filled with whipped cream or fruit
- Excellent make-ahead cookie for holiday baking
- Dough can be frozen and baked later
- Avoid greasing tins too heavily to preserve shape details
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1.5gFat: 6.5gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.8gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 210IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg
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