Why we use European Style Butter in our Kringle Dough

At Uncle Mike's, we pride ourselves on the quality of the ingredients we use, and one of the key components that elevates our Kringle dough is the butter. But not just any butter—European Style Butter. You might be wondering, what’s the big deal? Isn’t butter just butter? Well, when it comes to baking, especially for a delicate pastry like Kringle, the type of butter you choose makes all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the reasons why we exclusively use European Style Butter in our Kringle dough and how it transforms this classic Scandinavian pastry into something truly special (in our case, the Best in North America).

1. Higher Butterfat Content for Richness

The first and most important difference between European Style Butter and its American counterpart is the butterfat content. European Style Butter typically contains between 82-86% butterfat, while standard American butter contains around 80%. This extra butterfat contributes to a richer, more flavorful dough.

When making Kringle, a pastry known for its flaky layers and buttery texture, the additional butterfat helps to create those perfect, tender layers. The richness of the butter is what gives Kringle its melt-in-your-mouth quality, with each bite delivering a more indulgent and satisfying taste.

2. A Softer, More Workable Dough

European Style Butter also has a lower water content (around 15-18% compared to the 20% in American butter). This means there’s less moisture in the dough, which helps create a more manageable, smooth texture.

In the case of Kringle, which requires multiple layers of dough to be rolled out and folded to achieve its signature flaky texture, using a butter with lower water content ensures that the dough doesn’t become too sticky or overly wet. The result is a dough that’s easier to work with and produces a more consistent, crisp texture after baking.

3. The Flavor: More Complex and Nutty

Perhaps one of the most noticeable qualities of European Style Butter is its flavor. Because of the traditional churning process and the milk used, European butter tends to have a more complex, slightly nutty taste compared to American butter. This makes the Kringle dough not only taste more buttery but also adds a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall experience.

When you're savoring the layers of a freshly baked Kringle, the buttery flavor comes through, but it's not overwhelming. Instead, it complements the other ingredients—whether it's a sweet and salty pecan filling, door county cherry, or fresh apple—creating a harmonious balance in every bite.

4. Traditional Baking, Traditional Ingredients

European butter is often produced using traditional methods, such as slow-churning, which results in a creamier texture and a more luxurious mouthfeel. This kind of butter also tends to be unsalted, which allows us to better control the seasoning of the dough.

Since Kringle is a pastry that’s often enjoyed for special occasions, we believe in honoring traditional baking techniques and recipes. By using European Style Butter, we’re able to pay tribute to the craftsmanship of old-world bakers who perfected pastries like Kringle through attention to detail and the use of superior ingredients.

5. The Secret to Perfect Flaky Layers

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Kringle, you’ll know that one of the highlights of this pastry is its incredible flakiness. This is achieved by layering dough and butter together, then folding and rolling it multiple times to create thin, buttery layers. European Style Butter is the secret to those layers because it behaves in a way that creates the right balance of moisture and fat, allowing for the dough to separate into delicate, flaky sheets.

In contrast, American butter, with its higher moisture content, can sometimes result in a dough that doesn’t have the same level of flakiness. The butter may melt too quickly or create a more cakey texture, which is not what we want for a classic Kringle.

6. Supporting Artisan Producers

When we choose to use European Style Butter, we’re also supporting small-scale, artisan producers who are committed to quality and sustainability. Our butter is sourced from Pine River Dairy in Manitowoc, WI, a trusted partner we've been working with for many years. We're proud to use butter that's made just 40 minutes south of Green Bay, supporting a local producer and ensuring the freshest quality for our kringle dough. This aligns with our values of sourcing high-quality, ethically produced ingredients that reflect our commitment to craftsmanship and community.

7. It’s Worth the Extra Investment

You might be wondering if the higher price tag of European Style Butter is worth it. For us, the answer is a resounding yes. While it does cost more than American butter, the difference it makes in the flavor, texture, and overall quality of our Kringle dough is undeniable.

In baking, especially with pastries like Kringle, the quality of your ingredients directly affects the final product. We believe that by using the best possible butter, we’re able to deliver a superior product that’s worth the extra investment—and our customers agree. Every bite of our Kringle speaks to the care and quality we put into our baking.

In Conclusion: The Butter Makes the Kringle

From the moment you bite into a slice of our Kringle, you’ll notice the difference the European Style Butter makes. Its richer flavor, flakier texture, and the beautiful, delicate layers are all thanks to this premium ingredient. We’re proud to use European Style Butter in our Kringle dough because it aligns with our commitment to quality, tradition, and exceptional flavor.

So, the next time you enjoy a fresh Kringle from Uncle Mike's, know that every flaky layer and every melt-in-your-mouth bite is the result of thoughtful craftsmanship—and a little bit of European butter magic.

Have you tried our Kringle yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or stop by one of our shoppes to experience the buttery goodness for yourself! If you're not in North East Wisconsin, no worries— we can ship one directly to your door!