When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of freshly baked treats to fill your home with the scent of festive cheer. Today, we’re bringing a taste of Norway to your kitchen with a delightful recipe for Havrekjeks Oat Cookies. These traditional Norwegian cookies are beloved for their hearty texture and wholesome flavor, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas baking repertoire. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to create some delicious memories this holiday season with our Havrekjeks Oat Cookies.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the dry ingredients for a well-balanced cookie.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy hand whisk can help achieve a smooth and creamy texture for your cookie dough.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until well combined. The egg acts as a binding agent, while the vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic depth to the cookies.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
6. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading during baking. You can also gently flatten the dough mounds with the back of a fork for a classic oat cookie appearance.
7. Bake the Havrekjeks Oat Cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
8. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps the cookies firm up while retaining their delightful chewiness.
9. Serve your freshly baked Havrekjeks Oat Cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or your favorite festive beverage for a cozy taste of Norwegian Christmas tradition. These cookies also make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or jars tied with a festive ribbon.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious Havrekjeks Oat Cookies that are sure to become a new holiday favorite in your home. Happy baking and merry Christmas!
