Norwegian Buttons
Delightful Norwegian Buttons are buttery, nutty cookies with a tender crumb and sweet powdered sugar coating, perfect for holidays, teatime, or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix softened butter, flour, vanilla, powdered sugar, and chopped pecans together until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a greased cookie sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 325°F (163°C).
- Allow cookies to cool, then roll in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the butter is softened but not melted. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free version. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness. If you're short on time, try using pre-made cookie dough. These cookies can also be flavored with almond extract for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Norwegian Buttons alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. They pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad or can be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with colored sugar or serving them on a platter with other cookies like Swedish Butter Strips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Norwegian Buttons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh them, briefly warm in the oven at low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Norwegian Buttons contains roughly 195 calories, with 1g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
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 margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine in this recipe. Just ensure it's a stick variety to maintain the consistency of the dough. The cookies may have a slightly different taste, but they should still turn out well.
What type of flour is best for Norwegian Buttons?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, providing the right balance of structure and tenderness. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make Norwegian Buttons more festive, consider adding seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Rolling the cooled cookies in colored sugar or serving them on a decorative platter can also enhance their appeal during 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).