Danish Wedding Cookies: Lost But Not Forgotten

Danish wedding cookies, also known as tea cakes, butterballs, snowballs, and sometimes, cocoons, have been discontinued by Keebler, the company that manufactured them. The cookies were round, buttery, and coated with powdered sugar, inspired by traditional Danish wedding treats called kransekage. Keebler's decision to discontinue the product was likely due to a decline in demand as consumer preferences shifted towards healthier, organic, and natural food options.

The history of Danish wedding cookies

Danish wedding cookies, also known as tea cakes, butterballs, snowballs, and cocoons, are a type of shortbread cookie made with butter, ground nuts, and powdered sugar. They are said to have originated in medieval Arabia and spread along trade routes to other countries, eventually reaching Denmark in the late 18th century. The cookies are believed to have been created by a Danish baker during this time.

In Denmark, these cookies are known as "kransekage" and are traditionally served at weddings and other special occasions. The cookies are round, buttery, and coated with powdered sugar, giving them a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are considered a symbol of good luck and are said to represent the sweetness of a successful marriage.

Over time, Danish wedding cookies gained popularity in America, particularly during the holiday season, where they are often included on Christmas cookie trays. The Keebler Company played a significant role in popularizing the Danish version of these cookies in the United States. However, despite their name, it is important to note that Danish wedding cookies did not originate in Denmark, and similar recipes can be found in Scandinavian baking, such as Jdekager and Vaniljekranse.

Today, Danish wedding cookies are known by various names worldwide, including Mexican wedding cookies, Italian wedding cookies, and Russian tea cakes. They are a beloved treat, often bringing back fond memories of family gatherings and special occasions. Unfortunately, the Keebler Company has discontinued their production of Danish Wedding Cookies, citing changing consumer preferences and market competition as reasons for their decision.

Why Keebler discontinued them

Keebler discontinued Danish wedding cookies, despite their popularity, to keep the product line interesting and provide consumers with new flavors. The company periodically discontinues products to make way for new ones and maintain consumer interest.

Danish wedding cookies, also known as "snowball cookies", are a type of buttery, bite-sized cookie topped with powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. They are delicate, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and are often served during Christmas and weddings. The nuts in the cookies are said to represent life's bumps, while the sugar symbolizes the sweetness of a successful marriage.

The decision to discontinue the cookies may have been a strategic one to make way for new products and maintain consumer interest. Keebler has a history of discontinuing products, such as their Magic Middles cookies, which were also phased out without a clear explanation. The company tends to remain tight-lipped about such decisions, leaving consumers with a sense of loss and disappointment.

The discontinuation of Danish wedding cookies has left a void for those who cherished these treats. They hold cultural significance and are traditionally served at weddings and during holiday celebrations. With no equivalent replacement available, consumers are left to either find alternatives or make their own homemade versions of this beloved cookie.

How to make them at home

Danish wedding cookies are a delightful, buttery treat that can be made and enjoyed at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make these bite-sized cookies:

Ingredients:

• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Powdered/Confectioners' Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Flour (all-purpose or cake flour)
• Nuts (pecans, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, or almonds)

Optional:

• Almond Extract
• Mini Chocolate Chips

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to between 300°F and 400°F. Line your baking trays with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. You can use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer for this step. If you're adding in the optional almond extract, include it here.

Next, add in the dry ingredients: cinnamon, salt, and flour. Mix until well combined. If you're using a stand mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Finely chop your chosen nuts and add them to the mixture. If you want to toast the nuts for a richer flavour, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes before chopping and adding to the dough.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking trays, spaced about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies for 8-12 minutes (up to 20 minutes if your oven is at 300°F). Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't brown too much. You're looking for a slight browning around the edges.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cookies are cool enough to handle, roll them in powdered sugar to give them that signature snowball-like appearance. You can roll them a second time for a fuller coating.

And that's it! You now have a batch of delicious Danish wedding cookies to enjoy.

Tips:

• Cold or room temperature butter is best. If your butter is too soft, the dough may become sticky.
• If your dough is sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour before rolling the dough into balls.
• If your dough is very sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for about 10 minutes before rolling it into balls.
• If you want to freeze the cookies, do so before rolling them in powdered sugar.
• Toasting the nuts and finely chopping them adds to the flavour and texture of the cookies.
• Keep an eye on your baking time to avoid over-baking.
• Use aluminium or light-coloured baking sheets to avoid burning the cookie bottoms.

Their cultural significance

Danish wedding cookies, also known as Italian wedding cookies, Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, or snowballs, are said to be a lucky charm on a wedding day. The cookies are believed to symbolise a successful marriage, with the nuts representing life's challenges and the sugar symbolising the sweetness of a happy union.

Despite their name, Danish wedding cookies are thought to have originated in the Middle East and then made their way through Europe and the Americas. They are a traditional dessert served at weddings, baptisms, and other special events in Denmark, but they are not exclusive to Danish weddings and can be enjoyed at any time of year.

The cookies are usually filled with nuts, butter, and powdered sugar, resulting in a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are a popular treat during the holiday season, often referred to as "snowball cookies" due to the white powdered sugar coating.

Danish wedding cookies have become a symbol of Danish culture and are beloved by people of all ages. They are a simple, no-fuss recipe made with a few basic ingredients and are known for their sweet, nutty flavour and delicate texture.

Similar cookies from other brands

While Danish wedding cookies from Keebler have been discontinued, there are several similar cookies from other brands that you can try. Here are some alternatives for you to explore:

Royal Dansk Danish Butter Cookies

These cookies are a popular alternative to the discontinued Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies. Royal Dansk is a well-known brand, and their Danish butter cookies are often associated with their distinctive royal blue round tin container. These cookies are made with butter, flour, and sugar, originating from Denmark. They have a shortbread-like texture and are known for their crispiness. While they are not as indulgent as the Danish wedding cookies, they offer a similar taste and texture that can satisfy your cravings.

Pepperidge Farm's Chessmen Cookies

Pepperidge Farm offers a wide range of cookies, and their Chessmen Cookies are a great substitute for Danish wedding cookies. While they have their unique shape and style, they provide a comparable taste and texture. Pepperidge Farm is known for its variety of cookies, and the Chessmen Cookies are a popular choice among those who enjoy a sweet treat.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Also known as Russian tea cakes or Italian wedding cookies, Mexican wedding cookies are a variation of the traditional Danish wedding cookies. They share a similar cultural significance and are often served during special occasions and holidays. These cookies are usually filled with nuts, butter, and powdered sugar, providing a delicate and melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies, also known as "snowballs," are another variation of wedding cookies. They are especially popular during the holiday season and are often referred to as "snowballs" due to the white powdered sugar coating that resembles snow. These cookies have a delicate texture and are commonly topped with chopped nuts and cinnamon, making them a delightful addition to any festive cookie platter.

Homemade Recipes

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making your own Danish wedding cookies at home. There are numerous recipes available online that allow you to recreate these cookies in your kitchen. Homemade versions offer the freedom to adjust the ingredients to your liking, and you can always experiment with different spices and nuts to create your unique variation.

Frequently asked questions