When it comes to Christmas baking traditions, there’s something special about the cozy warmth that fills the kitchen as you prepare delicious treats to share with loved ones. In Norway, the holiday season is marked by baking delightful goodies that bring comfort and joy to homes. One such recipe that captures the essence of a Norwegian Christmas is Skjeblad Flatbread Biscuits. These delicate and flavorful biscuits are perfect for serving with a cup of hot cocoa or as a festive addition to any holiday spread. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a batch of these delightful treats together!
**Skjeblad Flatbread Biscuits**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Sliced almonds and pearl sugar for topping (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the dry ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, ground cardamom, and ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. **Incorporate the butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Add the wet ingredients:** Pour in the milk and vanilla extract into the flour and butter mixture. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. **Shape the biscuits:** Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut out the biscuits into your desired shapes. You can also use a knife to cut the dough into squares.
6. **Add toppings:** For a traditional touch, you can sprinkle sliced almonds and pearl sugar on top of the biscuits before baking. This step is optional but adds a lovely crunch and sweetness to the finished treats.
7. **Bake the biscuits:** Place the shaped biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. **Cool and enjoy:** Once the biscuits are baked to perfection, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These Skjeblad Flatbread Biscuits are best enjoyed fresh with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, or packed up as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
With their delicate texture and aromatic spices, these Norwegian-inspired flatbread biscuits are sure to become a new favorite in your Christmas baking repertoire. Embrace the holiday spirit and spread some cheer by sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones. Happy baking!
