Swedish Countess Cookies

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   Grease some baking sheets.

3. 3

   Using an electric mixer, cream the butter until fluffy and white (about 5 minutes).

4. 4

   Add the sugar and continue to beat.

5. 5

   Add the flour a little at a time.

6. 6

   Add the Cognac, if using, and mix well.

7. 7

   Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of an egg.

8. 8

   If the dough is sticky, sprinkle the work surface with a little flour.

9. 9

   Place the piece of dough on the work surface.

10. 10

    With your palms, roll the dough back and forth to form a rope of dough about as thick as your finger.

11. 11

    Using your fingers, start at one end and flatten the dough to form a strip about 1 1/4 inches wide.

12. 12

    Cut the dough on the diagonal into 2 1/2-inch-long strips.

13. 13

    They should be roughly diamond-shaped.

14. 14

    Slip a knife blade under the dough and transfer to a greased baking sheet.

15. 15

    Repeat until all the dough is used.

16. 16

    Sprinkle a little shaved chocolate over each cookie, if desired.

17. 17

    Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

18. 18

    These cookies should not brown, but should remain an off-white color.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

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