These Norwegian Holiday Cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas spread, capturing the essence of Scandinavian culinary traditions with their rich flavors and festive appeal. While they require a bit of effort, the reward is well worth it, especially when you see the joy they bring to your family and guests. These cookies hold a special place in many hearts, often becoming a cherished tradition that simply must be upheld each holiday season.
To embark on your culinary journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts
Additionally, you’ll need your favorite jam or preserves for filling the cookies.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready when your cookies are prepared for baking.
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process:
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Begin by combining the softened butter, egg yolks, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Utilize a mixer to blend the ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
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Gradually add the flour to the mixture, allowing it to incorporate fully with each addition. This gradual approach ensures a well-balanced dough that’s easy to work with.
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Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape it into balls. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even baking. A tablespoon-sized portion of dough should yield approximately 36 cookies, but feel free to adjust the size according to your preference.
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Prepare your assembly station by placing the chopped walnuts in a shallow dish and lightly beating the egg whites in another. This will facilitate the coating process.
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Take each dough ball and dip it into the egg whites, ensuring that it’s evenly coated. Next, gently roll the coated ball in the chopped walnuts, allowing them to adhere to the surface.
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Arrange the coated cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space between each to allow for expansion during baking.
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Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie. This is where the magic happens – it’s where you’ll later fill the cookies with your chosen jam or preserves.
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Carefully spoon a small amount of jam or preserves into each indentation, adding a burst of fruity flavor that perfectly complements the buttery richness of the cookies.
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With your cookies assembled and filled, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and fragrant.
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Once baked to perfection, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Norwegian Holiday Cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, their tantalizing aroma filling the air with warmth and comfort. Whether you serve them as part of a festive dessert platter or enjoy them with a cup of steaming hot cocoa by the fireplace, these cookies are sure to evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia.
Nutritionally, each cookie delivers a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients. With only 186 calories per serving, they make for a guilt-free indulgence that won’t weigh you down. Plus, with 13.7 grams of fat, 4.1 grams of saturated fat, and 25.3 milligrams of cholesterol per serving, they offer a rich and decadent experience that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions.
In addition to their delectable taste and nutritional value, these cookies also boast a stellar rating of 5 stars, based on 5 glowing reviews from satisfied bakers like yourself. It’s clear that these cookies have won the hearts of many, earning their rightful place as a beloved holiday tradition.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that’s sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. With each bite of these Norwegian Holiday Cookies, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland of flavor and festivity, where every moment is filled with sweetness and joy. Cheers to holiday baking and the cherished memories it brings!
