Danish Christmas baking is renowned for its cozy and delightful treats that warm both the soul and the belly during the festive season. One such traditional favorite is the Honningkager Med Syltetøj, also known as Honey Jam Cakes. These delightful cakes are infused with the sweet flavors of honey and jam, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that makes them ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in by the fire.
**Honningkager Med Syltetøj (Honey Jam Cakes)**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, honey, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating well to combine.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log shape, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
7. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small indentation lengthwise down the center of each log.
8. Fill the indentations with the raspberry or strawberry jam, spreading it evenly along the top of each log.
9. Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the logs cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, slice the logs into individual cakes at a slight angle, to create diamond-shaped pieces.
12. Dust the Honey Jam Cakes with powdered sugar before serving to add a finishing touch.
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors with every bite of these Honey Jam Cakes, a perfect treat for your holiday celebrations or simply to enjoy a taste of Danish Christmas traditions. The warm spices, sweet honey, and fruity jam create a sensation that will have you reaching for seconds. Share these cakes with loved ones or savor them as a special treat for yourself during the festive season. Enjoy the magic of Christmas with this delightful Danish recipe!
