The holiday season is a time for indulging in festive flavors that warm the soul and create a cozy atmosphere in your home. One delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of Christmas in Denmark is Gløggkager, or Mulled Wine Cookies. These spiced cookies are inspired by the traditional Scandinavian drink known as Gløgg, which is a mulled wine infused with the warming aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. These cookies are the perfect way to bring a taste of Danish Christmas into your kitchen and fill your home with the delightful scents of the season.
Gløggkager Mulled Wine Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Stir in the orange zest and chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
9. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Enjoy the delightful combination of rich chocolate, warm spices, and citrusy orange in these Gløggkager Mulled Wine Cookies. These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, as gifts for friends and family, or simply for enjoying a quiet moment of coziness with a cup of tea. Bring a taste of Danish Christmas into your home this holiday season with these delicious and aromatic treats.
