Butter Rings(Berlinerkranser)
Delightful butter rings, also known as Berlinerkranser, are flaky, buttery cookies shaped into wreaths, with sweet sugar toppings—perfect for festive occasions or elegant treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash the yolks of hard-boiled eggs very well.
- Add raw egg yolks and blend to form a smooth paste.
- Cream the butter and vanilla, gradually adding sugar and creaming until fluffy after each addition.
- Add the egg mixture in thirds, blending well after each addition.
- Sift the flour and add in fourths, blending well each time.
- Wrap the dough in foil and chill thoroughly.
- With hands, roll small pieces of dough to pencil thickness, about 4 to 4 1/2 inches long.
- Paint the ends with egg white and overlap to form a wreath shape.
- Brush egg white on top of each cookie and sprinkle with perle sugar or crushed sugar cubes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Makes approximately 60 cookies.
- Store in a cool place.
- Freeze well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. If you don’t have perle sugar, you can use granulated sugar or even finely chopped nuts for added texture. To make the dough easier to handle, chill it slightly before rolling. If you prefer a flavored cookie, consider adding a hint of almond extract along with the vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
These Butter Rings make a delightful treat for holiday gatherings or as a sweet addition to afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and can be served alongside other festive cookies, such as Christmas Stolen Bread. For a fun presentation, arrange them on a decorative platter or gift them in a clear bag tied with a ribbon.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Butter Rings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour; no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Rings(Berlinerkranser) contains roughly 1972 calories, with 50g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 152g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (141% of the Daily Value), protein (100% of the Daily Value), and iron (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?
Using whole eggs instead of just yolks will change the texture of the cookies, making them denser. For best results, stick to the original recipe which calls for yolks only to achieve the desired light and buttery flavor.
What can I substitute for unsalted butter?
If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Alternatively, you could use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version, though the taste may vary slightly.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top after brushing with egg white. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra indulgent touch, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).