Danish wedding cookies, despite their name, are not exclusive to wedding ceremonies. These delightful, nutty cookies are a delicious any time treat that’s sure to please dessert lovers of all ages. Named after the traditional Danish kransekage wedding cake, these cookies capture the essence of Danish baking in every bite.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a wedding or just looking for a new dessert recipe to woo your friends and family the next time you invite them for coffee. Danish wedding cookies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
The best part about them? They’re not hard to make! Once you get the gist of it after making the first batch, you’ll likely never need to look up another Danish wedding cookie recipe again!
What are Danish Wedding Cookies?
Danish wedding cookies are festive cookies, famous in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries. Traditionally served at weddings, christenings, and other celebrations, these delectable treats are loved for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and sweet flavor.
Made from simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, and ground almonds or pecans, they are rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Their rich taste and elegant presentation make them a perfect addition to your coffee -breaks or tea time.
Danish wedding cookies also come in several varieties. You can prepare them with spices with a bit of flavor, or increase the amount of nuts you use for added crunchiness. And as with all types of cookies, you might also want to try adding some chocolate chips to your Danish wedding cookies to further enhance their flavor.
Danish Wedding Cookies Ingredients
To bake Danish wedding cookies at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of finely ground almonds or pecans
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Some variations include additional ingredients like almond extract for added flavor or egg whites for texture.
The following step-by-step guide will help you make a hearty batch of traditional Danish wedding cookies. We recommend starting with this, and experimenting with the different variations (examples below) once you’re you’ve become comfortable with the basic conventional recipe.
How to Make Danish Wedding Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and finely ground almonds.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and light. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until it forms a dough.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls or crescents and place each one on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown on the bottom edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before tossing them gently in additional powdered sugar.
- Once they’re completely cooled, you may want to dust them again with powdered sugar for that extra snowy appearance.
Danish Wedding Cookies Variations
While the traditional version of Danish wedding cookies is undeniably delicious, there are plenty of variations to explore.
When it comes to serving cookies at a wedding, it’s always a good idea to get a feel for what your guests may like by asking some of your loved ones about their favorite flavors and textures. Of course, as your wedding day is ultimately about you, don’t disregard your own preferences for the sake of pleasing your guests!
So how exactly can you shake things up when making traditional Danish wedding cookies? Some people add spices like cardamom or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor. Other delicious variations include adding cocoa powder for chocolatey cookies or dipping half of the cooled cookie in melted chocolate for a visually appealing treat.
Chocolate-coated Danish wedding cookies may be the “heaviest” option out of the bunch. Still, they’re also extremely delicious and visually appealing, so if you’re looking to impress your guests, you can’t go wrong with them!
There's also an option to use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, instead of almonds or pecans. This not only changes the flavor but also adds an interesting texture.
For those looking for a lighter version, try replacing some of the butter with applesauce or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. These “light” Danish wedding cookies are every bit as delicious as the typical version, and are a great option if you’re keeping a stricter diet but can’t get enough of them.
Get the Best Wedding Cookie Favors From The Cravory
Cookies aren’t just a great sweet treat to serve during a wedding. They also make great wedding favors! Gifting your guests with beautifully packed cookies will guarantee that they’ll look back on your special day fondly as they inevitably get around to eating them later.
At The Cravory, we offer a wide array of wedding cookie favors, personalized to match your style and preferences. Reach out to us, and we’ll work together to create the best design and type of cookie for your perfect wedding favors.
Final Thoughts
Making Danish wedding cookies is an enjoyable process that results in delightful treats and allows you to understand and appreciate traditional Danish baking methods. After all, they’ve given us so many delightful wonders, such as the snegl, spandauer, or tebirkes!
Whether it's for a special occasion or just an everyday treat, these cookies offer a sweet surprise that your family and friends will adore. Plus, they are easy for beginners yet versatile enough for experienced bakers looking to experiment with flavors.
Remember that baking is both an art and a science - feel free to adjust this recipe as needed based on your preferences and oven characteristics. Happy baking!
