The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and of course, delicious treats. One delightful tradition that warms the hearts of many in Denmark during Christmas is the baking of Chokoladehjerter, or Chocolate Hearts. These sweet and rich cookies are not only a festive delight but also a wonderful homemade gift to share with loved ones. Let’s dive into the recipe for these Danish Christmas baking treasures!
**Chokoladehjerter – Chocolate Hearts**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 egg
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix dry ingredients:** In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. **Cream the butter and sugar:** In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. **Add vanilla and egg:** Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
5. **Incorporate dry ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
6. **Roll out the dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
7. **Bake:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until set. Be mindful not to overbake as you want them to remain soft and chewy.
8. **Cool and dust with sugar:** Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Before serving or gifting, dust the Chocolate Hearts with powdered sugar for a final festive touch.
These Chokoladehjerter – Chocolate Hearts embody the essence of the holiday season and are a true delight to bake and share with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa or wrap them up as gifts, these Danish Christmas treats are sure to bring comfort and joy to all who taste them. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to infuse your home with the delicious aroma of these delightful Chocolate Hearts!
