Finnish Butter Cookies Recipes

PIKKULEIPIENPERUSTAIKINA (FINNISH BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH)

Steps:

• This will yield 2 cups of dough. If you are using it as a starter base, it will depend on the recipe as to how many cookies it will make. Using it by itself, it should yield about 7.5 dozen.
• Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
• Do not refrigerate cookie dough.
• Fill a cookie press with dough as manufacturer directs.
• Select plate and fit onto press.
• Press dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with colored sugar.
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes or only until cookies are firm and lightly browned around edges. Do not overbake. Cool on a rack.

FINNISH STAR COOKIES (JOULUTORTTU)

Steps:

• Whisk together flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and cream cheese on medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Add sugar and lemon zest and continue to beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add 1 egg and beat until combined. Beat in flour mixture on low speed until combined. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a square, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until firm, 1 to 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Remove one-half of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured sheet of parchment, roll out dough into a square about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out squares using a 3 1/2-inch square cutter, then carefully transfer to prepared baking sheets, spaced about 1 1/2 inches apart. If dough becomes too soft, transfer parchment with dough to a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm.
• Place 1 teaspoon preserves in the center of each square. Using a small paring knife, cut 1 1/4-inch slits diagonally from each corner toward the filling. Fold every other tip over to cover filling, forming a pinwheel. Press lightly to seal. If dough becomes soft, refrigerate until firm.
• Lightly beat remaining egg with remaining pinch of salt. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush tops of cookies with egg wash. Bake until edges are golden and cookies are slightly puffed, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

FINNISH CARDAMOM COOKIES

Steps:

• In large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and cardamon.
• In another bowl, beat egg until frothy.
• Beat sugar and butter into egg. Mix well.
• Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until batter is smooth.
• Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased and floured cookie sheet.
• Bake in 350° oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until brown.

FINNISH CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Gradually beat in flour and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. , Roll out onto a well-floured surface to 1/4-in. thickness. Brush lightly with egg. Sprinkle with almonds and sugar if desired. Using a fluted pastry cutter or knife, cut into 2x1-in. strips. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. , Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.