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Heidesand

Delightful German brown butter shortbread cookies with a crumbly texture and nutty flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 200 g unsalted butter High-quality butter enhances flavor.
  • 100 g powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream Use milk for a richer flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 250 g all-purpose flour Can substitute with almond flour for gluten-free.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • optional coarse sugar, for rolling

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Brown the Butter: Start by heating the butter in a pot over medium heat until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Avoid burning it; keep a close eye on the color change.
  2. Create the Mixture: Once the butter has cooled to a soft consistency, mix in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. The combination should be smooth and creamy without any lumps.
  3. Form the Dough: Gradually incorporate the flour and salt into the mixture, stirring well until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork it, or the cookies will lose their tender texture.
  4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log about 4 cm thick, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
  5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  6. Shape and Bake: After chilling, roll the dough log in coarse sugar and cut it into 1 cm thick rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and bake until the edges are lightly golden, which should take about 10-12 minutes.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. To refresh, reheat at 150°C (300°F) for a few minutes.