Butter biscuits
Prepare to be enchanted by the delightful scent of freshly baked butter biscuits. Our recipe produces a delicate, buttery texture with just the right amount of sweet vanilla for a comforting taste. You can decorate them with icing and sprinkles, or enjoy them as they are. Put on your apron and have fun baking.
Ingredients
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Plain flour
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250 g |
|---|---|
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Granulated sugar
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100 g |
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Vanilla extract
|
1 tsp |
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A pinch of salt
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|
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Cold butter, cut into cubes
|
150 g |
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Medium egg
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1 |
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Plain flour, for rolling
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For decorating (optional)
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Icing sugar
|
150 g |
|---|---|
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Egg white
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1 |
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Sprinkles
|
Method
For decorating (optional)
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Knead the dough only until it comes together. Overkneading makes it too elastic, so it springs back when you roll it and shrinks in the oven. The extra handling also warms the butter, leaving the dough sticky and harder to cut cleanly. Mix the dry ingredients first, then gently work in the cold butter and egg to keep handling to a minimum.
Take the biscuits out of the oven when the edges turn light golden, even if the centres still look pale. They continue to firm up on the warm tray and as they cool on the wire rack. A few extra minutes in the oven is enough to turn them dry and hard.
The dough can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to use. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before rolling, cutting, and baking as normal.
FAQ: Questions about butter biscuits
Butter biscuits need only a few ingredients, but even a simple bake like this can raise a couple of questions along the way. That is why we answer the most common questions about butter biscuits, so every batch comes out lightly golden, tender, and in shape.
Why do I need to chill butter biscuit dough?
Chilling butter biscuit dough for at least 30 minutes is important because it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll, cut, and handle. The resting time lets the flour absorb moisture, so the biscuits turn out tender and crisp. It is also key to obtaining sharp edges and the desired shape of the baked biscuits.
How do I get sharp edges on my butter biscuits?
Butter biscuits usually lose their shape because the butter gets too warm before the dough has a chance to set in the oven. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, place the cut biscuits on cool baking trays, and make sure the oven is fully preheated to 180 °C before baking. Try to roll the dough to an even thickness of about 3 mm and handle it as little as possible to keep the butter from softening too much.
How should I store butter biscuits?
Store cooled butter biscuits in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 4 weeks. Place baking paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Allow any icing to set completely before storing the biscuits. You can also freeze baked biscuits for up to 3 months.
Nutritional values per piece
Energy:
82 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per piece | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 3.5 % | 0.7 g |
| Fat | 46.2 % | 4.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50.3 % | 10.2 g |
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Enjoy the charm of German butter biscuits
Known in Germany as Butterplätzchen, these traditional treats have a delicate texture and golden edges. They are especially popular during the Christmas season, when the biscuits are cut into stars, hearts, and other playful shapes. But why save something so good for one time of year? Our homemade butter biscuits are a pleasure to bake and even better to share, whatever the occasion.
A smooth dough with butter and vanilla
Butter is the whole point of these biscuits. It is part of the name, after all. Kept cold until it goes into the dough, it gives the biscuits a tender texture with a light, delicate crispness. Vanilla extract adds a soft fragrance, while a pinch of salt sharpens the sweetness. After a little time in the fridge, the dough rolls out smoothly and holds clean edges, even with detailed cutters.
Decorate with icing and sprinkles
Butter biscuits are delicious on their own but also provide a perfect base for decoration, so bring out the icing and sprinkles. Keep the decorations neat and simple or let your imagination run wild with different patterns and designs.
This is a lovely part of the baking process to share with children, who can turn each biscuit into their own little creation. And remember, the occasional wonky star only adds to the charm.
Ideal for sharing, snacking, and gifting
A tin of butter biscuits on the kitchen counter rarely goes unnoticed. They make a handy grab-and-go snack, a sweet finish after dinner, and a welcome treat when friends drop by unannounced. Bake a double batch, and you have a thoughtful little gift sorted, too. Stack the biscuits between sheets of baking paper in a decorative box, and they arrive looking just as good as when they left your kitchen. Still in the mood for something sweet? Fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon with our Zimtsterne or try making some delicious gingerbread cookies.
Get creative with the recipe
This butter biscuit recipe takes well to small changes. Add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, fragrant twist. If you prefer something warmer, mix in a little ground cinnamon or cardamom for a delicately spiced variation.
The decoration is just as open to ideas. Dip half of each cooled biscuit in melted chocolate instead of icing, or tint the icing with a few drops of food colouring.
Keep the baking fun going with our Christmas baking recipes, where you can find plenty of sweet treats to make, decorate, and share. Looking for something to impress your guests? Our Christmas dessert recipes have you covered, too.
