Ruiskakut (Cookies)

I found this recipe that was posted in our local newspaper about 4 years ago. These cookies have a delighful nutty flavor. They originated in Finland.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 30

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter, softened
• 2⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 2  cups  rye flour
• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 3  tablespoons cold water
• 1⁄4 cup  coarse  green sugar crystals
• 1⁄4 cup  coarse white  sugar crystals

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl in an electric mixer, add softened butter and beat on medium-high for 30 seconds.
2. Add granulated sugar and beat until well combined with butter, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally.
3. Beat in rye flour and all-purpose flour on low speed until mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4. Add water, tossing mixtue with a fork until dough is moistened.
5. Gently knead the dough until a ball forms.
6. Roll dough out of the mixing bowl onto a lightly floured surface.
7. Using a rolling pin, roll dough out to 1/8" thickness.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F.
9. Using a 3 inch scalloped cookie cutter, cut out dough.
10. Re-roll scraps and continue to cut with the cookie cutter.
11. Using a smaller cookie cutter about 1 inch, cut a hole in the center of each cookie.
12. Re-roll the holes and cut out again.
13. Place cut out cookies on an ungreased, parchment lined cookie sheet.
14. Using a fork, pierce each cut out cookie all over.
15. Sprinkle cookies with a mixture of both green and white coarse sugars.
16. Bake in preheated 350 F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are firm and begin to brown on the edges.
17. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
18. Store in a container with lid.