Sandnøtter, “sand nuts”, are sweet and simple Norwegian Christmas cookies with a vibrant taste of vanilla. They’re often chosen as one of the syv slagene “seven types of cookies” baked during the holiday season. Sandnøtter are so light and airy, they literally melt in your mouth with a dry and crumbly burst from the potato starch in each bite.

These are wonderful cookies that all can enjoy and should certainly be a part of any holiday offerings. This recipe makes quite a few, so feel free to halve the recipe or give some away to loved ones.

Sandnøtter

*Makes around 80 sandnøtter

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (250 g) butter, at room temperature
• 1 ¼ cup (250 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons (500 g) potato starch/potetmel
• 1 cup plus 2 teaspoons (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 5 teaspoon vanilla sugar or 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

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Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C. Line a baking sheet or two with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamed and well combined. Add the egg, potato starch, flour, vanilla sugar or extract, and baking powder and form a smooth dough.  

Take a spoonful of dough at a time, roll each into a small ball with your hands. Using a fork, gently press down on top of each ball to flatten slightly and make a pattern.

Divide the cookies among the prepared baking sheet(s) and bake one sheet at a time in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes. They should be light in color when you take them out. Cool on a wire rack.

Store in a cookie tin for a couple of weeks and enjoy!

*For more holiday baking inspiration, head here.