Brune Pinner Brown Stick Cookies

This time of year, as the cold weather sets in and the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the cozy warmth of the kitchen filled with the scent of freshly baked treats. Today, we have a delightful recipe that perfectly captures the essence of a Norwegian Christmas – Brune Pinner, or Brown Stick Cookies. These spiced and crisp cookies are a beloved tradition in many Norwegian households during the festive season. Let’s dive into how to make these aromatic and delicious treats at home.

**Brune Pinner Brown Stick Cookies**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup dark molasses
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– Slivered almonds, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the dark molasses to the butter mixture and stir well to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, baking soda, and flour.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour; if too dry, a splash of milk can help bind it together.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and divide it into smaller portions for easier handling.
7. Roll each portion into a long, thin log, about 1/2 inch in diameter. For a more authentic look, gently flatten one side of the log with the tines of a fork to create a ridged surface resembling a brown stick.
8. Place the shaped logs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. If desired, press a few slivered almonds into the tops of the cookies for decoration.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly firm to the touch.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Store the Brune Pinner Brown Stick Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture and spicy flavors.

These Brune Pinner Brown Stick Cookies are not only delightful to eat but also a joy to make. They are a wonderful addition to your holiday baking repertoire and are sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the process of creating these traditional Norwegian treats and share them with loved ones during this special time of year. Happy baking!