Scandinavian Delight

Growing up in the run up to our Christmas celebrations our Grandmother used to have a cookie baking day in which she and my aunts and some of the cousins would bake at least a dozen different kinds of Christmas cookies, pack them into boxes and send them home with the rest of the family.  There were rosettes, krumkake, Russian tea cakes, fruit cake cookies, rum balls, spritz, Nanaimo bars, etc.  My absolute favorite cookie was likely the simplest to make.  It is a very non-assuming cookie, without frosting, sprinkles, or decor of any kind, but it is melt in your mouth deliciousness.  My Grandmother called them Turkish Delights, but having had REAL Turkish Delight from Turkey, I know these cookies are NOT Turkish Delights.  My children also love this cookie and have renamed them Scandinavian Delights (as my family on my Dad's side is Norwegian).  Over the years we've made these cookies for various Christmas and Epiphany parties and folks are invariably taken aback by the fabulousness of these little plain dainties.  It is for these friends that I now publish the recipe here on the blog.

Scandinavian Delights

2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup melted and cooled butter

1 egg yolk

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup flour

In a mixing bowl beat the sugar and melted butter on medium for 15 minutes.  Add the egg yolk and beat for an additional 5 minutes.  Beat in the vanilla, almond extract, and salt.  Gently fold in the flour.  Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet covered in parchment and bake in a 250 degree oven for 20 minutes.