Holiday baking is a delightful tradition that fills our homes with warmth and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats. Swedes have a long-standing tradition of baking delicious goodies, especially during the festive season. Today, we are diving into the enchanting world of Swedish Christmas baking with a recipe for Schackrutor Checkered Cookies. These delightful treats are not only visually appealing with their checkerboard pattern but also incredibly delicious, making them a perfect addition to your holiday spread.
Title: Schackrutor Checkered Cookies
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and mix the cocoa powder into the other half until fully incorporated.
6. Wrap each dough half separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Once chilled, take out the dough and roll each half into a rectangle of equal size, about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Place one rectangle on top of the other, gently press together, and trim the edges to make them straight.
9. Cut the dough into strips, about 1/2 inch wide, and then cut each strip into squares.
10. Carefully stack the squares on top of each other to create a checkerboard pattern, alternating between vanilla and cocoa squares.
11. Gently press the squares together to ensure they stick.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
13. Transfer the checkerboard cookie dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
14. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these Schackrutor Checkered Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for the perfect holiday treat. Their charming appearance and delectable taste will surely impress your family and guests. Happy baking and merry Christmas!
