Ruthie’s Scandinavian Christmas Cookies are delicate, buttery, and filled with traditional holiday spices. These cookies are often enjoyed in Scandinavian countries during the Christmas season and are known for their crisp texture and subtle sweetness. Here's how you can make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional but traditional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom (if using). Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Chill the dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
7. Roll out the dough:
- Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes, such as stars, hearts, or traditional Scandinavian shapes.
8. Bake the cookies:
- Arrange the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool and dust with powdered sugar:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a traditional finish.
Tips:
- Flavor variations: You can experiment with other traditional spices like ginger or cloves for a different flavor profile.
- Decoration: For an extra touch, decorate the cookies with colorful icing or sprinkles for a festive look.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Ruthie’s Scandinavian Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat with a warm spice flavor and a delicate, buttery texture. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or leaving out for Santa!