Kringle Christmas Cookies
Kringle Christmas cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the flavors of buttery pastry, sweet almond filling, and a delicious vanilla glaze. These cookies are reminiscent of the traditional Danish pastry known as kringle, but in a convenient and portable form. With their festive appearance and irresistible taste, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the almond filling:
1 cup almond meal
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon almond extract
For the glaze:
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Assorted sprinkles or decorations (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each portion into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a separate bowl, prepare the almond filling by combining the almond meal, granulated sugar, melted butter, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread half of the almond filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll up the dough into a log. Repeat the process with the second disk of dough and the remaining almond filling.
8. Slice each log into 1-inch thick pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
9. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by combining the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.
11. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag. Add sprinkles or decorations if desired.
12. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.
These Kringle Christmas cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their flaky texture, sweet almond filling, and the touch of glaze make them a festive and irresistible treat. Share them with loved ones, serve them at parties, or simply enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy holiday experience.
FAQs:
FAQ 1: Can I substitute the almond meal with another type of nut meal?
Yes, you can substitute almond meal with other nut meals, such as hazelnut or pecan meal, to add different flavors to the cookies.
