During the festive season, the Danish culture comes alive with the delightful aroma of traditional Christmas cookies that adorn many a table. Småkager, meaning assorted cookies in Danish, is a beloved recipe that captures the essence of holiday cheer. These delicate delights are perfect for both indulging your sweet tooth and sharing with loved ones. With a combination of warm spices and buttery goodness, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. Let’s dive into making these mouthwatering Småkager Assorted Danish Cookies.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and salt until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. You can also knead the dough gently by hand to ensure everything is well incorporated.
5. Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Chilling the dough will help with easier handling.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Remove one portion of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Use cookie cutters of various shapes (stars, hearts, bells, etc.) to cut out the cookies and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to prevent sticking.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake to keep them tender.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining dough until all cookies are baked. You can re-roll the scraps to minimize waste.
12. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Or, if you’re feeling generous, package them up in pretty boxes as gifts for friends and family.
Enjoy the warm flavors and festive spirit of the holiday season with these Småkager Assorted Danish Cookies. From the buttery richness to the aromatic spices, these treats are a true celebration of Danish Christmas tradition. Bake a batch to fill your home with joy and share the love with those around you. Happy baking!
