Why hand down recipes from grandparents to parents to children when Google reveals even hundreds of years old traditions. So that’s exactly how we put together a list of traditional Christmas Cookies recipes from different countries around the world.
Almond Ginger Cookies – China
Ingredients
1 cup shortening
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sliced almondsDirections
Preheat oven to 350°. Cream shortening, 1/2 cup sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in ginger.Shape into 1-in. balls. Roll in remaining sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Press an almond slice into center of each cookie.
Bake until edges are lightly browned, 9-11 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks. Store in an airtight container.
Chocolate Almond Pizzelles – Italy
Ingredients
3 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons almond extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powdertopping
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
2 tablespoons water
4 teaspoons almond extract
Chopped almondsDirections
Preheat pizzelle maker. Beat the first 4 ingredients until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder; stir into egg mixture.Bake in pizzelle maker according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. Cool completely on wire racks.
In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and butter; stir until smooth. Stir in cocoa, water and extract until blended. Drizzle over pizzelles. Sprinkle with almonds; let stand until set. Store in airtight containers.
Chocolate Lebkuchen – Germany
Ingredients
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
Dash salt
1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extracttopping:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon canola oil
2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup ground almonds
1/3 cup ground hazelnuts
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon each ground cloves, cardamom and allspice
1/4 cup finely chopped candied lemon peel
1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peelglaze:
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup butter, cubedDirections
In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine water and vanilla; gradually add to crumb mixture, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/16-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. round cookie cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° until set, 8-10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
For topping, in a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and oil. Combine the oats, flour, nuts, cocoa, baking powder and spices; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in candied peels.
Drop 1 rounded tablespoon topping onto each cookie; gently press down. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° until set, 13-16 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Dip each cookie halfway in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in airtight containers.
Dutch Speculaas – Netherlands
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon molasses
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely ground almonds
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamomDirections
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in the eggs, molasses and orange zest. Combine the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, ginger and cardamom. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until easy to handle.Preheat oven to 350°. On a parchment-lined surface, roll a small amount of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Use a floured cookie stamp to press design into dough, then cut with floured 3-in. cookie cutters, leaving 1 in. between cookies. Remove excess dough and reroll scraps, if desired.
Transfer parchment with dough to cookie sheet. If dough has warmed, place baking sheet in refrigerator until it firms up, about 10-15 minutes. Bake until edges are lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
Florentines – Italy
Ingredients
6 tablespoons butter, cubed
1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup mixed candied fruit, finely chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shorteningDirections
In a saucepan, combine butter, milk, sugar and honey. Bring to a full boil. Remove from the heat; stir in almonds and fruit. Stir in flour until blended. Drop by tablespoonfuls 3 in. apart onto greased and floured baking sheets. Spread batter with a spoon to form 2-1/2-in. circles. Bake at 350° until edges are lightly browned, 6-9 minutes. Cool on pans for 1 minute before carefully removing to waxed paper to cool completely. For coating, combine chocolate chips and shortening in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until melted. Spread 1 teaspoonful over the bottom of each cookie. When chocolate is almost set, draw wavy lines with a fork or cake decorating comb. Store in the refrigerator.
French Macarons
Ingredients
macaron shell:
1-1/3 cups almond flour
2-1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, divided
3 extra large egg whites, room temperature
2 tablespoons superfine sugar
1/8 teaspoon saltbuttercream filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon saltDirections
Place the almond flour and 1-1/2 cups plus 3 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar in a food processor; pulse until thoroughly mixed to ensure almond flour is very fine. Pass almond flour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve; discard any large pieces that remain.Place egg whites in a very clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment; whisk on medium-low speed until frothy. Slowly add superfine sugar; whisk until dissolved, 1-2 minutes. Slowly add remaining confectioners’ sugar; increase speed to high and whip until meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form, 2-3 minutes.
Gently fold one-third of the almond flour mixture into meringue; gently fold in remaining almond flour in 2 additions. Using side of spatula, smooth batter up sides of bowl several times to remove air bubbles and ensure there are no lumps; do not overmix. Run spatula down the center of the bowl; the line in the batter should remain visible for a moment before mixture runs back into itself.
Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat oven to 300°. Transfer batter into a pastry bag fitted with a #7 or #10 round tip. Pipe 1-3/8-in. rounds onto parchment about 1 in. apart. Tap tray against counter 2-3 times to remove excess air bubbles. Let macarons rest until no longer wet or sticky to the touch, 30-60 minutes. Bake, 1 tray at a time, until cookies rise about 1/8-in. to form “feet,” 14-16 minutes, rotating tray halfway through baking. Remove tray and let macarons cool completely; repeat with remaining trays. Once macarons have cooled completely, remove from parchment.
To make filling, cream butter in a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment; slowly add powdered sugar until incorporated. Add heavy cream, vanilla and salt; mix until smooth. Pour frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip; pipe buttercream onto half the macarons. Top with remaining macaron shells. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
Peppermint Variation: For macaron shells: Add green gel food coloring (do not use liquid food coloring) to whipped meringue until desired color is reached. To decorate: If desired, top macaron shells with crushed candy canes just after they have been piped and before skin has formed. For filling: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to mixed frosting. Assemble as directed.Cranberry Variation: For macaron shells: Add red gel food coloring (do not use liquid food coloring) to whipped meringue until desired color is reached. To decorate macaron shells: Place white candy melts or white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Place chocolate in a piping bag fitted with a fine round decorating tip; drizzle over macaron shells. Immediately sprinkle with red, green and white assorted sprinkles. For filling: If desired, add 2-3 drops cranberry flavoring to frosting. Pipe a circle of frosting onto bottoms of half the macaron shells. Place 1/4 teaspoon canned cranberry sauce in center of frosting circle. Top with remaining macaron shells.
Hot Chocolate Variation: For macaron shells: Add 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder to almond flour and confectioners’ sugar before sifting. To decorate: Using stiff royal frosting, pipe snowflake designs onto half of the cooled macaron shells. For filling: If desired, using marshmallow fluff instead of frosting, pipe a circle onto bottoms of half the macaron shells. Place 1/2 cup chocolate chips and and 2 tablespoons heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Place 1/4 teaspoon chocolate mixture in the center of marshmallow circle; top with remaining macaron shells.
Khrustyky – Ukraine
Ingredients
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sugar
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Oil for deep-fat frying
Confectioners’ sugarDirections
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolks, cream and vanilla. Beat in sugar. Combine flour and salt; stir into the egg mixture just until smooth (dough will be soft). Divide into 4 portions.On a well-floured surface, roll out 1 portion to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut into 1-1/2-in. strips; cut strips diagonally into 3 pieces. Cut a 1-1/2-in. slit lengthwise into the center of each piece; pull 1 end of strip through slit to make a loop. Cover shaped pieces while rolling out and cutting the remaining dough.
In a deep cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 2-3 in. of oil to 375°. Fry pastries, in batches, until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Kolaczky – Poland
Ingredients
2 cups butter, softened
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cans (12 ounces each) apricot and/orraspberry cake and pastry filling
1 to 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, optionalDirections
In the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer, beat butter and ice cream until blended (mixture will appear curdled). Add flour and sugar; mix well. Divide dough into 4 portions; cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, about 2 hours.Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll 1 portion of dough into a 12×10-in. rectangle; cut into 2-in. squares. Place 1 teaspoon filling in the center of each square. Overlap 2 opposite corners of dough over filling; pinch tightly to seal. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Bake until bottoms are lightly browned, 11-14 minutes. Cool 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Linzer Cookies – Austria
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups ground almonds
6 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugarDirections
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, salt and spices; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in almonds. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. round or cookie cutter. From the center of half the cookies, cut out a 1-1/2-in. shape.
Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Spread bottom of each solid cookie with 1/2 teaspoon jam. Sprinkle cutout cookies with confectioners’ sugar; carefully place over jam.
Melomakarona – Cyprus
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3/4 cup honeycookies:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 cups olive oil
1/2 cup Cognac
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
7-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons grated orange zest
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup ground toasted walnutsDirections
Preheat oven to 350°. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water and honey; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Cool completely.Meanwhile, for cookies, in a large bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar and oil until blended. Beat in Cognac, orange juice and honey. In another bowl, whisk flour, orange zest, baking powder and cinnamon; gradually beat into sugar mixture.
Shape tablespoons of dough into 1-in.-thick ovals. Place 1 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Cool on pans 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks.
Float and turn warm cookies in syrup about 10 seconds; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; sprinkle with walnuts. Let stand until set. Store between pieces of waxed paper in airtight containers.
Pepparkakor (Swedish Gingerbread Cookies) – Sweden
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg, room temperature
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
frosting:
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 to 5 tablespoons water
Red Hots, optionalDirections
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. In another bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and baking soda; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to roll.Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-1/2-in. gingerbread man cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake until edges are firm, 8-10 minutes. Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar, shortening, vanilla and enough water to reach spreading consistency. Decorate cookies with frosting and, if desired, Red Hots.
Freeze option: Transfer wrapped disks to a resealable plastic freezer bag; freeze. To use, thaw dough in refrigerator overnight or until soft enough to roll. Prepare, bake and decorate cookies as directed.
Pinwheels – Finland
Ingredients
filling:
1/4 pound pitted dried plums (prunes), chopped
1/4 pound pitted dates, chopped
1/2 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons butter
pastry:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter
1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioners’ sugarDirections
In a saucepan, combine dried plums, dates, water and sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in butter. Cool.Meanwhile, in a bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter as for a pie crust. Blend in egg, cream and vanilla. Form into 2 balls.
Place 1 ball at a time on a floured surface and roll to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut into 2-in. squares. Place on ungreased baking sheets. With a sharp knife, make 1-in. diagonal slits in corners. Place 1/2 teaspoon filling in the center of each square. Bring every other corner up into center to form a pinwheel and press lightly. Bake at 325° until the points are light golden brown, about 12 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Pryaniki (Soft Honey Cookies) – Russia
Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large egg, room temperature
3 tablespoons honey
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon saltDirections
In a small bowl, beat sugar and oil until blended. Beat in egg; beat in honey and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; gradually add to sugar mixture and mix well (dough will be stiff). Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.Preheat oven to 350°. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto a greased baking sheet. Bake until bottoms are lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Cool for 1 minute before removing from pan to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
Reganadas – Mexico (Mexican Cinnamon Cookies)
Ingredients
1 large egg, separated
2 cups lard
4 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Dash salt
3/4 cup sugar
coating:
2/3 cup sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Confectioners’ sugar, optionalDirections
Place egg white in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, beat lard until creamy. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; gradually beat into lard.
Beat egg white on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently whisk in sugar and egg yolk. Gradually beat into lard mixture. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 8-10 times.
Divide dough into 6 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 24-in.-long rope; cut diagonally into 1-in. pieces. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool on pans 2 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Roll warm cookies in cinnamon sugar mixture or confectioners’ sugar. Cool on wire racks.
Rosettes – Norway
Ingredients
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup 2% milk
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Oil for deep-fat fryingicing:
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 3 tablespoons waterDirections
In a small bowl, beat eggs and sugar; stir in milk and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to batter until smooth.
Heat 2-1/2 in. of oil to 375° in a deep-fat fryer or electric skillet. Place rosette iron in hot oil, then dip in batter, three-fourths up the sides of iron (do not let batter run over top of iron). Immediately place in hot oil; loosen rosette with a fork and remove iron.Fry rosettes, a few at a time, until golden brown, 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove to paper towel-lined wire racks. Repeat with remaining batter.
For icing, combine the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and enough water to achieve a dipping consistency. Dip edges of rosettes into icing; let dry on wire racks.
Scottish Shortbread
Ingredients
2 cups butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flourDirections
Preheat oven to 325°. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add 3-3/4 cups flour; mix well. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 5 minutes, adding enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.Roll to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut into 3×1-in. strips. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Prick with fork. Bake until cookies are lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Cool.
Supspiros – Bolivia
Ingredients
3 large egg whites
1-1/2 teaspoons clear or regular vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Dash salt
2/3 cup sugarDirections
Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.Preheat oven to 250°. Add vanilla, cream of tartar and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition, until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form, about 7 minutes.
Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag or in a corner of a food-safe bag; insert a #32 star tip. Transfer meringue to bag. Pipe 1-1/4-in.-diameter cookies 2 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake until firm to the touch, 40-45 minutes. Turn off oven; leave meringues in oven 1 hour (leave oven door closed). Remove from oven; cool completely on baking sheets. Remove meringues from paper; store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tea Cakes – Russian
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts
Additional confectioners’ sugarDirections
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-13 minutes. Roll in confectioners’ sugar while still warm. Cool on wire racks.
Torcetti – Sicily
Ingredients
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup shortening
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 cup 2% warm milk (110° to 115°)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Additional confectioners’ sugarDirections
Place flour in a large bowl; cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside. In another large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla and 2 cups of the crumb mixture; beat until well blended. Gradually beat in remaining crumb mixture.Turn onto a floured surface; knead for 3-4 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; divide into 6 portions. Shape each portion into twelve 6-in. ropes about 1/4 in. thick; roll in confectioners’ sugar. Shape each rope into a loop. Holding both ends of loop, twist together 3 times.
Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Roll warm cookies in additional confectioners’ sugar. Cool on wire racks.
Vanillekipferl (Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies)
Ingredients
12 Tbsp butter, unsalted, cold, cut into chunks
2 c unbleached all-purpose flour
1 c ground almonds*
½ c powdered sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla sugar**
Pinch salt
2 large egg yolksFor the Topping
½ c powdered sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla sugar**Instructions
Place the butter and flour into the bowl of your food processor. Pulse to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place the mixture in a large bowl.Add the ground almonds, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, and egg yolks to the mixture. Knead the dough with your hands in the bowl until it comes together, 5 min.
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, shape each into a ball. Place the balls in a sealed plastic bag or covered bowl in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, up to 2 days, to develop flavor.
Preheat the oven to 350F. Remove the dough from the refrigerator.
Remove one ball of dough from the refrigerator. Roll it into a rope, 12 inches long. Cut the rope into 12 even pieces. Roll each piece into a 3-4 inch rope and shape it into a crescent.
Place the shaped crescents onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a non-stick baking mat, ½ inch apart. Repeat with the remaining dough, removing one ball of dough from the refrigerator at a time, until you have filled one tray.
Bake the cookies, one tray at a time, for 11-12 min, until the tips of the crescents just start to turn a light golden brown.
Remove the pan from the oven. (And place your second, cool tray with shaped cookies in the oven to bake, if necessary.)
Let the baked cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes while you prepare your sugar mixture. Mix ½ c powdered sugar and 1 Tbsp vanilla sugar together in a shallow bowl.
Take the warm cookies from the baking sheet and carefully coat them in the sugar mixture. Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to finish cooling.
Repeat as needed with the remaining cookies.
Leave the cookies out overnight to harden, and then transfer them to an air-tight container to store for up to 1 week.
Whipped Cream Krumkake – Norway
Ingredients
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Butter for krumkake plates
Sweetened whipped cream, optionalDirections
Beat eggs in a bowl until very light. Add sugar gradually, beating to blend. Slowly add melted butter, then whipped cream and nutmeg. Mix in flour. (Dough will be consistency of cookie dough.) Chill dough thoroughly.Preheat krumkake iron over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until a drop of water “dances” when dropped onto plates. Brush plates with butter; place 1 tablespoon dough in center of lower plate. Close iron and press handles together. If excess dough comes out sides, remove with a table knife.
Bake for about 30 seconds; flip iron and bake for about 30 seconds on the other side. Remove krumkake and immediately roll over a cone-shaped form. Place seam side down on parchment to cool; remove form.
If desired, fill some or all of the cooled cones with sweetened whipped cream. Serve immediately.