Sjakkruter Checkered Cookies

Nothing says cozy holiday vibes like filling your home with the warm, delicious aroma of freshly baked treats. Celebrate the joy of Christmas baking with these delightful Sjakkruter Checkered Cookies from Norway. These classic cookies not only look festive with their checkered pattern but also taste heavenly, making them a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

**Sjakkruter Checkered Cookies**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating well until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half.
5. To one half of the dough, add the cocoa powder and knead until evenly incorporated.
6. Shape both the plain dough and the cocoa dough into rectangles of the same size. Wrap each rectangle in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the plain dough into a rectangle about 10×6 inches in size.
8. Roll out the cocoa dough into a rectangle of the same size. Carefully place the cocoa dough on top of the plain dough.
9. Roll up the dough into a log starting from one of the longer sides. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or until firm.
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
11. Using a sharp knife, slice the cookie log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
12. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until set and slightly golden around the edges.
13. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Serve and enjoy these delightful Sjakkruter Checkered Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday beverage.

These Sjakkruter Checkered Cookies are not only a beautiful addition to your Christmas cookie platter, but they are also a delicious treat that the whole family will love. Feel free to get creative with different shapes or decorations to make them truly your own. Happy baking and happy holidays!