Krakelingen Recipe (Figure-8 Butter Cookies)

Heat the oven to 200°C / 392°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies lift easily.

Briefly mix the softened butter and sugar in a bowl. Add the flour and (if using) salt. Pour in the water little by little until you get a smooth, non-sticky dough. Don’t overwork it—keep it cool.

Pinch off walnut-size pieces. Roll each into a thin rope, then bring the ends around to form a simple “8”. If you like, lightly coat the top with a bit of extra sugar.

Arrange on the sheet with space between them. Bake for about 7 minutes, and remove when the edges just start to pale golden. Avoid over-browning; they set as they cool.

Let the cookies sit on the tray for 5 minutes, then move to a rack to cool. Serve once warm or fully cooled.