Kardemommesmåkager Cardamom Cookies

During the festive season in Denmark, the air is filled with the scent of warm spices and the happy hustle and bustle of holiday baking. One beloved treat that graces the Christmas tables of many Danish homes is Kardemommesmåkager—delicate Cardamom Cookies. These cookies are a wonderful combination of buttery sweetness and the warm, aromatic notes of cardamom, creating a perfect balance that is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Danish coziness to your home.

**Kardemommesmåkager Cardamom Cookies**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Granulated sugar for coating

**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth cookie dough forms.
5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape the chilled cookie dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
8. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
9. Using a fork, gently flatten each cookie ball to create a crisscross pattern on top.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, store the Kardemommesmåkager in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite festive beverage!

These delightful Kardemommesmåkager Cardamom Cookies are a Danish tradition that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. The subtle spiciness of the cardamom paired with the buttery sweetness of the cookies makes for a delightful treat that will surely become a holiday favorite. So, gather your loved ones, put on some holiday music, and bake a batch of these aromatic cookies to infuse your home with the warmth and joy of the Christmas season. Happy baking and merry Christmas!