The holiday season brings with it so many wonderful traditions that warm our hearts and fill our homes with joy. One such delightful tradition is the art of Christmas baking. This time-honored practice not only yields delicious treats but also creates lasting memories for families and friends to cherish. Today, we’re embracing the spirit of Norway with a delightful recipe for Vaniljekranser Vanilla Ring Cookies. These delicate, buttery cookies are a beloved part of Norwegian Christmas celebrations and are sure to add a touch of Scandinavian charm to your holiday festivities. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up some holiday magic!
Vaniljekranser Vanilla Ring Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup finely chopped almonds
– Additional granulated sugar for coating
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process will help create a tender crumb in your cookies.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The eggs will bind the dough together and provide structure to your cookies.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, infusing the dough with a warm and aromatic flavor that will complement the sweetness of the sugar.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the dough, resulting in a consistent rise during baking.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
6. Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The almonds will add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to your cookies.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Shape the dough into small rings, about 2 inches in diameter. You can form the rings by rolling a small portion of dough between your hands and then joining the ends to create a circular shape.
9. Roll each ring in additional granulated sugar, coating it generously. This step will create a sweet and crunchy exterior on your cookies.
10. Place the rings on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
11. Bake the Vaniljekranser Vanilla Ring Cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
12. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once cooled, these delightful vanilla-scented cookies are ready to be enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or a steaming mug of mulled wine. Share them with loved ones or gift them in a festive tin for a truly Scandinavian holiday treat.
Vaniljekranser Vanilla Ring Cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter, with their delicate texture and buttery flavor. This recipe captures the essence of Norwegian baking traditions and is sure to become a staple in your holiday repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and spread some joy this holiday season with these delightful vanilla ring cookies. Happy baking!
