I’m so excited to share these Danish Fedtebrød – Coconut Cookie Slices with Rum Glaze with you today! My mum found my Danish grandmother’s Saffir Mel (flour) collection of cookie recipes down the back of a shelf the other day. The recipes were printed on thin magazine paper, A5 in size and very faded so I borrowed the booklet and scanned it in to my computer.
On flicking through all the recipes one stood out to my mum, Danish Fedtebrød. After school mum said she’d often pop into the local bakery and put one or two of these Coconut Cookie Slices on her mum’s tab. I can imagine what a fabulous treat this was for a hungry school girl!
This was my first batch which were a bit long but you can see they have a courser more open texture.
So I set about making the Danish Fedtebrød with pretty scant instructions but imagined the size I was aiming for would be quite big if they were sold in a store. I also had to improvise with the hjørtetaksalt as it translates as bicarbonate ammonium which we don’t have in the UK so mum said to use bicarbonate of soda. The original recipe used a specific brand of margarine but I changed that to butter and it also called for rum essence but I only had real rum and couldn’t find any rum essence in my local supermarket. Mum had never made these Danish Fedtebrød but her mum made them for her as a child so I was really intrigued to try them. I’m not the biggest fan of desiccated coconut but I really like these cookies and the rum flavoured glaze was subtle and not overpowering. My family loved the cookies too and I ended up making a couple of batches over 2 days.
I mixed my first batch of Danish Fedtebrød by hand and made them a bit too big. So on day 2 I made them a bit smaller and as I had a cut finger I decided to use my food processor which made the rubbing in and mixing last a couple of minutes rather than ten or so. However after tasting both batches I think the hand mixed cookies with their course short texture had more character than the machine mixed ones where the dessicated coconut was ground down further. However opinion was divided in the family over which was best so if you’re pushed for time or find rubbing in difficult then do use your food processor.
I do hope you try these Danish Fedtebrød with an afternoon cuppa, they are incredibly short and buttery with just the right amount of added sweetness from the rum glaze. For more Scandinavian or coconut cookie recipes do check out the following:
Finsk Brød – Fab Food 4 All
Danish Vanilla Wreaths – Fab Food 4 All
Marzipan Macaroons – Tin & Thyme
Chocolate & Vanilla Coconut Butter Cookies – Family Friends Food
4 Ingredient Hazelnut Cookies – Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary
As this is an old family recipe I am entering these Danish Fedtebrød into Inheritance Recipes over at Pebble Soup which is also run by Coffee & Vanilla.
- 125 g plain flour
- ¼ tsp hjørtetaksalt or bicarbonate of soda
- 125 g unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 65 g dessicated coconut
- 65 g granulated sugar
- For Rum glaze:
- 150 g icing sugar
- 2 tsp rum (or rum essence to taste)
- 2 - 3 tsp water (or enough to form a glaze if using essence)
- Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC.
- Line a large baking sheet with baking paper.
- Sift the flour and bicarbonate or soda into a bowl.
- Rub in the butter until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the sugar and dessicated coconut and mix well.
- Use your hands to form a dough.
- Divide mixture into 3 equal portions.
- Take one portion and squeeze into a long sausage shape and place on baking paper.
- Use your hands to shape into a long rectangle about 5.5 cm by 27 cm.
- Then repeat with the other 2 portions and space apart well on baking sheet as they will spread.
- Bake on middle shelf of oven for 10 minutes (or until golden).
- Make up the glaze by mixing the icing sugar with the rum and water.
- When the cookies are ready and whilst still warm, spoon the glaze down the middle of each length and then make diagonal cuts.
- Transfer to a cooling rack.
- Store in an air tight container.
And here’s an old ad I found for Saphir Mel!
Why not pin for later?
68 comments
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Julia Kruz
18/07/2017 at 1:12 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Looks delicious! Do you know the alternative to rum? Our family has a negative attitude towards alcohol. Or rum will not be felt in cookies? Thx for sharing.
Camilla
18/07/2017 at 3:20 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Hi, you can use Rum flavouring, I’m pretty sure there is no rum in that.
Richard Eldred Hawes
09/05/2017 at 9:29 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
The rum glaze on these makes them delicious
Camilla
09/05/2017 at 11:30 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
It certainly does Richard:-)
Margaret gallagher
18/04/2017 at 8:29 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Never had these before -certainly a recipe I’d try -the combination of favours is ENOUGH to win me over
Camilla
18/04/2017 at 8:43 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Margaret, they are yummy:-)
April J Harris
28/03/2017 at 5:28 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These look wonderful, Camilla. I love old family recipes! I love the coconut/rum flavour combination. And I always change margarine to butter from my old family recipes as well.
Camilla
28/03/2017 at 5:53 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks April, yes butter is always better:-)
kellie@foodtoglow
01/03/2017 at 6:29 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I love looking through old cookbooks, but even better if they have resonance with childhood memories. Most of my old American ones are a bit unlike anything I would now use, but they are interesting to read. I have been to Denmark a few times and will be going back sometime this year with a friend. We stupidly don’t tend to go into bakeries (I know, what’s wrong with us!) but if I see these long glazed bakes I will know what they are. Not sure I can pronounce them though. As for the hjørtetaksalt, I’m wondering if Bronte at Scandinavian Kitchen has some in stock? I’m sure she could get it for you if she doesn’t.
Camilla
02/03/2017 at 12:01 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I never saw these biscuits in any Danish Bakeries as a kid so I think it must have just been during my mum’s childhood. You must try an authentic Danish pastry Kellie! I can live without the hjørtetaksalt as the bicarb seemed to do the job, but thanks for the idea of contacting Bronte:-)
Margot
01/03/2017 at 4:32 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Those cookie slices look and sound amazing, especially the rum glaze part 🙂 Thank you for sharing with #InheritanceReciepes.
Camilla
02/03/2017 at 12:03 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you Margot:-)
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
21/02/2017 at 2:44 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
How amazing that you found your grandmother’s cookbook! So precious. These look yummy, I love how they’re cut into those thick diagonal slices – so much more interesting than a simple circle!
Camilla
22/02/2017 at 12:11 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Becca, it was actually just a flimsy magazine like booklet, so faded and not easy to read.
Steve
21/02/2017 at 6:05 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
If a food is made out of coconut, then I my taste buds will be the slave for it. 🙂 Even my favorite chocolate is Bounty. I will make my wife to have a glance at this recipe and ask her to prepare it for me.
Camilla
22/02/2017 at 12:14 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Great Steve, I hope she makes them for you:-)
pebble soup
20/02/2017 at 4:48 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This is right exciting, a long lost recipe book, wowee thanks for sharing with #InheritanceRecipes
Camilla
20/02/2017 at 8:49 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you Solange:-)
joanne casey
19/02/2017 at 3:11 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These looks so delicious, coconut & rum is such a delicious combination
Camilla
19/02/2017 at 9:09 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you, they really are:-)
Stuart
19/02/2017 at 12:46 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Gorgeous looking Camilla, I can just imagine the taste- must give them a try.
Camilla
19/02/2017 at 9:08 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Stuart, hope you do manage to try them:-)
Renée
18/02/2017 at 8:42 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These look amazing! I am also a fan of anything coconut. Speaking of coconut, is the desiccated coconut spoken of in the recipe sweetened or unsweetened?
Camilla
18/02/2017 at 11:43 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you! I didn’t know you could buy sweetened desiccated coconut, this was just plain desiccated coconut, I got mine in the World Food aisle made by Eastend:-)
Tess D
18/02/2017 at 2:04 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Coconut & Rum 2 of my favourite ingredients! will have to try this one x
Camilla
18/02/2017 at 11:54 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Great Tess, do let me know what you think if you do try them:-)
Fiona jk42
17/02/2017 at 8:38 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
it’s always nice to find old recipes that have a family connection. I’m going to give these a go as I love pretty much anything with coconut
Camilla
17/02/2017 at 11:41 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Excellent Fiona, do let me know what you think:-)
Sandra Jo Siddall
17/02/2017 at 6:32 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Oh these look so tasty think I will definitely have to try this recipe!
Alica
17/02/2017 at 4:23 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These look delicious!!
Alison
14/02/2017 at 10:59 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
How lovely to find your grans book down the back of a shelf. I love finding memories like that. These look delicious
Camilla
14/02/2017 at 11:49 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Alison, they are fab and I shall be exploring more of the recipes:-)
Heather Haigh
11/02/2017 at 5:40 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Mmmm, I am a big fan of coconut and rum
Camilla
11/02/2017 at 10:18 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks, you’d love them then:-)
Laura@howtocookgoodfood
11/02/2017 at 5:08 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
What a treat these must be and even better that these slices have memories attached to them. I especially like the sound of a rum glaze!
Camilla
11/02/2017 at 10:19 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Laura, they are fab-)
Julia @ HappyFoods Tube
11/02/2017 at 1:23 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These cookie slices look soo good. Granmothers’ recipes are always the best, aren’t they? 🙂
Camilla
11/02/2017 at 10:21 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Julia, yes they really are:-)
Katie Crenshaw
11/02/2017 at 1:21 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These look so cute and sweet. My mother would love these cookie slices. Can’t wait to make a batch for her.
Camilla
11/02/2017 at 10:22 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you Katie, that’s wonderful, hope your mother enjoys them:-)
Kavey
11/02/2017 at 12:34 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Something so wonderful about sharing family recipes, isn’t there? My mum has shared many from her father on Mamta’s Kitchen and now I share some of them too via my blog. It’s a connection through the ages, a sense of nostalgia and continuation and legacy! And they look delicious!
Camilla
11/02/2017 at 10:24 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank Kavey, yes there’s something very special about reliving a recipe from your family’s past:-)
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com
11/02/2017 at 6:53 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These look great! I love trying new-to-me recipes–it’s one of the greatest joys of baking.
Camilla
11/02/2017 at 10:26 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Elizabeth, I love trying new recipes too:-)
Meg | Meg is Well
11/02/2017 at 4:57 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
That’s so amazing that you found those recipes! It’s hard to translate old recipes but you also had to deal with being in a different country too. They look buttery, flakey, and super delicious!
Camilla
11/02/2017 at 10:27 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Meg, yes my Danish isn’t too hot these days but between my mum and Google translate I got there:-)
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet
10/02/2017 at 7:59 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This remind me of my childhood memories. How I was so eager to eat cookie slices all the time. Thank you for the recipe.
Camilla
10/02/2017 at 10:11 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Michelle, I must post the one’s that my mum used to make for us:-)
lisa
10/02/2017 at 7:23 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I love a good family recipe, and coconut and rum are two of my favourite things!! Can’t wait to try these Camilla xxx
Camilla
10/02/2017 at 10:12 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Lisa, do let me know what you think:-)
Amy Fidler
10/02/2017 at 2:10 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Bet these are delicious xx
Camilla
10/02/2017 at 10:13 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks, they certainly are:-)
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours
10/02/2017 at 11:09 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
That advertisement is so funny. I love that your Grandmother had a tab at the bakers and your mother could put snacks on it. The cookies look lovely too.
Camilla
10/02/2017 at 10:16 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks! Yes the add is funny:-) I don’t think mum was meant to put personal purchases on the tab LOL:-)
Munchies and munchkins
10/02/2017 at 10:04 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Oh Camilla, these look delicious. Coconut and Rum is a winning combo in my book!
Camilla
10/02/2017 at 10:17 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you Becky, they are lush:-)
William Gould
10/02/2017 at 8:25 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I’m a big fan of anything with coconut – I’ll definitely be having a go at these after our next big supermarket trip!
Camilla
10/02/2017 at 10:17 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Great William, do let me know what you think! If you’re buying desiccated coconut it’s probably cheaper in the world food aisle (that’s where I buy mine)!
Richard Eldred Hawes
09/02/2017 at 10:34 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These sound lovely, have not heard of them but may well give them a try
Camilla
09/02/2017 at 11:55 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Richard, so easy and delicious:-)
Corina
09/02/2017 at 9:48 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These look lovely – I do like cookies flavoured with coconut and so does my little girl, although I’d have to miss out the rum for hers!
Camilla
09/02/2017 at 11:56 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
You could use essence instead but it’s so watered down it’s not strong at all, it’s just a hint of flavour.
Helen Moulden
09/02/2017 at 5:24 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
These are really different! Look forward to trying making these!
Camilla
09/02/2017 at 11:57 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Great Helen, glad you like them:-)
Janice
09/02/2017 at 1:48 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
They sound heavenly, Camilla. I loved to hear the story from your Mum’s childhood, makes the cookies even more enticing!
Camilla
09/02/2017 at 2:04 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you Janice, yes it was lovely to learn about these cookies and the memories my mum had with them:-)
Helen @ family-friends-food.com
09/02/2017 at 1:42 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Those look and sound delicious, and what great memories from your Mum!
Camilla
09/02/2017 at 2:05 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Helen, and don’t forget the telephone exchange:-)