Christmas in Denmark is a magical time filled with cozy traditions and delicious treats. One popular Danish Christmas baking recipe that brings warmth and sweetness to the holiday season is the Sirupskranse, also known as Syrup Rings. These delicate and aromatic cookies are a delight to make and even more delightful to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine by the fireplace. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these beautiful and tasty treats.
**Sirupskranse Syrup Rings**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– Pinch of salt
– Sliced almonds, for decoration
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut out small circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Shape each circle into a ring by gently pinching the ends together, leaving a hollow center. This is where the dark corn syrup will be added later.
8. Decorate the top of each ring with a few sliced almonds, gently pressing them into the dough.
9. Bake the Sirupskranse in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and while warm, fill the center of each ring with a small amount of dark corn syrup using a small spoon.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack until the syrup sets and the cookies are completely cooled.
Enjoy the Sirupskranse Syrup Rings with your family and friends during the festive season. Their delicate crunch and sweet syrupy center make them a hit at any Christmas gathering. These cookies also make lovely gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags tied with festive ribbons.
Embrace the Danish holiday spirit with this charming Christmas baking recipe. Let the aroma of warm spices and sweet syrup fill your home, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of the season. Wishing you a joyful and delicious holiday season filled with love, laughter, and lots of Sirupskranse Syrup Rings!