Capture the spirit of a Swedish Christmas with these delightful Julskorpor Christmas Rusks. Crispy on the outside and perfectly spiced, these sweet rusks are a traditional treat enjoyed during the holiday season in Sweden. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or simply want to infuse your home with the warm scents of the holidays, these Julskorpor Christmas Rusks are sure to become a favorite in your household.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**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 in the vanilla extract and orange zest, and mix well to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk, until a dough forms.
6. Fold in the chopped almonds and dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Divide the dough in half and form each portion into a log shape on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Gently flatten the logs slightly to create a more oval shape for the rusks.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rusks are golden brown and firm to the touch.
10. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the rusks cool for a few minutes.
11. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into 1-inch thick pieces on a slight diagonal.
12. Place the rusks back on the baking sheet, cut-side down, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are crisp and lightly browned.
13. Once baked, remove the rusks from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
14. Store these Julskorpor Christmas Rusks in an airtight container to maintain their crispness and enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa throughout the holiday season.
For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling the rusks with melted white chocolate or sprinkling them with powdered sugar before serving. These delightful treats make great gifts for friends and family and are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter. Enjoy the cozy flavors of Swedish Christmas with these delicious Julskorpor Christmas Rusks!
