During the festive season in Denmark, the aroma of holiday baking fills the air as families gather to create delicious treats together. One such beloved Danish Christmas baking tradition is making Citronkager, or Lemon Cakes. These delicate, buttery cookies are infused with a vibrant lemon flavor that complements the sweetness of the dough, making them a delightful addition to any holiday spread. Citronkager are perfect for serving at afternoon tea, as a sweet accompaniment to coffee, or as a homemade gift for loved ones.
Title: Citronkager Lemon Cakes
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Zest of 2 lemons
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or simply slice the dough into squares with a knife.
6. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. 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.
9. Once cooled, dust the Citronkager with powdered sugar for a snowy finish, if desired.
10. Store the Lemon Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
These Citronkager Lemon Cakes are a delightful treat that captures the essence of Christmas with their zesty citrus flavor and tender crumb. Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of tea by the fireplace or share them with friends and family as a heartfelt gift, these cookies will surely bring a touch of Danish holiday cheer to your home. Embrace the joy of the season by baking a batch of these delightful Lemon Cakes and creating new memories with your loved ones.
