In the spirit of the festive season, there’s something truly special about the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked treats that fills your home during Christmas time. Today, we’re bringing you a delightful recipe perfect for celebrating the holidays in true Russian style. “Baranki Sweet Rings” are traditional Russian Christmas baking delights that combine the rich flavors of butter and vanilla with a satisfying crunch. These circular, golden-brown goodies are not only delicious but also fun to make, making them an ideal festive treat to share with loved ones or to enjoy with a cup of tea by the fireside.
**Baranki Sweet Rings**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside for later use.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the sour cream. Slowly add this mixture to the butter and sugar, alternating with the flour, until a soft dough forms.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, ensuring that the flavors are well incorporated throughout the dough.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough. Then, using a smaller round cutter, make a hole in the center of each circle to form ring shapes.
6. Carefully transfer the rings to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly to allow for expansion during baking.
7. Bake the baranki in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a light golden color. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they can quickly overbake.
8. Once baked, remove the baranki from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy finish.
9. Serve these delightful Baranki Sweet Rings with a steaming cup of tea or hot chocolate for a cozy Christmas treat that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
This classic Russian Christmas recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the delicious results with your friends and family. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
