If you want to infuse your holiday season with a taste of Danish tradition, look no further than Kanelspecier Cinnamon Butter Cookies. These delightful treats are a staple during Christmas in Denmark, filling the air with warm spices and the promise of cozy moments shared with loved ones. With a delicate buttery texture and a comforting hint of cinnamon, these cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a festive gift for friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a touch of Scandinavian charm to your holiday baking this year.
**Kanelspecier Cinnamon Butter Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– Granulated sugar, for rolling
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
2. **Add Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. **Chill the Dough:** Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
4. **Preheat the Oven:** While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. **Roll and Shape:** Once the dough is chilled, take small portions and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
6. **Create Thumbprint Indent:** Place the sugar-coated balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create an indent.
7. **Bake to Perfection:** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. The cookies will still be soft when you remove them from the oven.
8. **Finish and Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, the cookies will firm up and develop a wonderful buttery texture.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once the cookies have cooled, serve them on a festive platter or package them in pretty tins for gifting. These Kanelspecier Cinnamon Butter Cookies are best enjoyed with a hot beverage or as a sweet treat after a delicious holiday meal.
With their irresistible aroma and delicate flavor, these Kanelspecier Cinnamon Butter Cookies are sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them by the fireplace, these Danish delights bring a touch of warmth and coziness to the festive season. Embrace the spirit of Christmas with this delightful recipe and create lasting memories with every delicious bite.
