Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Kringle Cutouts and Snowflake Cookies for A Very White Christmas

 
The first two things that I made to kick off my holiday baking were these pastry cookies called Kringle Cutouts. This recipe won the 2010 Holiday Cookie Contest sponsored by our local newspaper. I practically grew up on the Danish pastry called Kringle in my hometown of Racine, Wisconsin. Quoting from Wikipedia, "Racine claims to be the largest North American settlement of Danes outside of Greenland. The city is particularly known for its Danish pastries, especially kringle. Several local bakeries have been featured on the Food Network."


These pastry-like cookies are a very tasty substitute for Kringle! I filled half with the recommended raspberry jam and the rest I filled with apple pie filling. Both were great and the filling possibilities are as big as your imagination. A drizzle of white icing makes them taste even more authentic.

I invite you to join in singing a Danish version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!


Another Scandanavian-style recipe I found at Genius Kitchen (click for the link). These beautiful star-shaped cookies can also be turned into tree ornaments by using a plastic drinking straw and cutting out a hole in one of the star tips. You can find the recipes for both holiday treats at the end of this post.


Since the holidays are all about friends and family, I'd like to share two adorable white decorations I have received from thoughtful cyber friends recently.  The first came from my friend, Monique, at La Table de Nana.  We've been cyber friends since 2002!  Monique knows I have been a collector of Annalee Christmas decorations since my daughters were little girls. We both have two daughters, and now we both have grandsons. We became friends sharing our love of gardening and that has continued with our love of cooking...


For our Christmas table I did Christmas Tree napkins (click for link to tutorial).


I used touches of gold and silver mixed into the predominantly white table.  A crystal bowl filled with white and silver ornaments was the centerpiece. A couple of snow birds to cheer the table covered with a white damask table cloth. The gold chargers are from World Market.


As the sun sets, the table takes on a golden hue and we'll feel snug and warm inside as the night light changes the white snow to blue. 


Kringle Cutouts

Adapted from the 2010 Christmas Cookie Contest Winner
(sponsored by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Newspaper)

Printable Recipe

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter, cut in chunks
1 cup sour cream
Raspberry jam

Icing (see recipe below)

In medium bowl, combine flour and salt.Using a pastry cutter, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add sour cream, first stirring and then kneading with your hands. Dough will be slightly sticky. Shape dough into a ball, cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Remove dough from refrigerator and let sit for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Divide dough into 2 equal parts. Roll out on lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness, adding more flour, if needed if dough becomes too sticky. Cut out with 2-3 inch round (plain or scalloped-edge) cookie cutter. I used this great gadget from Pampered Chef to both cut them out and seal them.

Place about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, depending on the size of your circles, of raspberry jam on center of circle. Fold in half and gently pat edges together to form a seam. If a little filling oozes out during baking, that's alright, you'll be able to tell what filling is inside ;)

Bake in preheated oven 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. (Mine took a little longer). Cool completely on racks.

Pipe icing over cooled cookies decoratively using a pastry bag or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off.

Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons butter
¼ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

In bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring until smooth.

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Scandanavian Snowflake Cookies
Adapted from food dot com
Printable Recipe

Makes about 30 Snowflake Cookies

2 cups plain flour
1 cup icing sugar
11 tablespoons/150g of chilled butter, cubed
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
Milk, to mix
4 ounces of your favorite white icing
Edible glitter or edible sparkling cake dusting powder

Place flour and the icing sugar in a food processor. Process for 30 seconds. Add butter. Process until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add egg and vanilla. Process until dough comes together. If it is too dry, add some milk.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface. Knead dough until smooth. Press or roll into a 9"/20cm circle. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.

Preheat oven to 180C/360F, and line 2 flat baking/cookie trays with parchment paper or silicone liners. Roll out dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper until about 1/8-1/4"/5mm thick.

Using snowflake biscuit/cookie cutters, cut shapes out of dough. Place on them gently on to the trays. (It is important to work with very cold dough to get the shapes to release properly.) Press leftover dough together and repeat cutting out shapes, chilling dough again, if it gets too sticky to work with.

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, swapping trays after 5 minutes, or until just golden around the edges. Allow to cool on trays completely.

Decorate with white icing and then dust them with edible glitter/edible silver dusting powder while the icing is still wet.

Note: to make holes for hanging on the Christmas Tree: Just before baking, take a plastic drinking straw and press into the top of the snowflake shapes. If the holes have closed up while baking, use the drinking straw again while they are still hot to open the hole.

67 comments:

  1. Gorgeous table! I especially liked the shadows cast by the crystal beaded garland -- magical! Your white treats look divine, and that napkin fold is so cool!

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  2. A standing ovation from Italy...I'm speechless...ciao, Flavia

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  3. Your table is fabulous and the pastries amazing! YUM!

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  4. i see my friend flavia from italy here too....

    i am here via octoberfarm...
    and am i glad i stopped by...loved seeing everything... the snowflake cookies are adorable...

    love your table...the view..the champagne...and i see my lenox christmas dishes peeking out there too...so christmas-ey.

    i agree with flavia...standing ovation
    :-)

    kary

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  5. A beautiful and warm table set up. I really enjoy every part of this entry...Thanks for sharing the recipes, ideas and tips. You are truly the great source of inspiration.

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  6. Your table is beautiful and those snowflake cookies are almost too pretty to eat!

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  7. Stunning, Susan, it's all just so stunning! You captured a Winter Wonderland perfectly! I love your entire post!

    Nice gifts! Love what you did with the snowmen! Sweet, very sweet!

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  8. Susan, what a jam-packed post filled with Christmas doings. Even though I am from WI and I have a Scandinavian heritage, I have never heard of Kringle! It looks delicious! I also think you snowflake cookies look so beautiful. What a pretty table you have set -- love the silverware and the bowl of baubles. My favorite part of the post was your tree and the outside view -- just beautiful! Joni

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  9. Beautiful cookies! If they taste anywhere near to Racine Kringles, I know they are good. I miss those Kringles.

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  10. I always love your posts, Susan, and they are never too long for me!:) Your kringle cookies look so easy to make, and so deicious, and I love your elegant white tabelscape.
    I returned home from Denver yesterday on the red eye flight, so now I have a lot oc holiday catch up to do. Busy but joyful times!

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  11. Susan, your table is gorgeous, all the sparkling crystal...love the tree napkin. I have two books on napkin folding and can't find either one! Your centerpiece is so pretty.
    Have a very Merry Christmas.

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  12. Mi piace tutto di questo post!! come sempre sei bravissima Susan!!!ciao!

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  13. Beautiful! Everything on this post is absolutely beautiful!

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  14. Susan..what a glorious happy elegant post..And how well did you photo everything?

    Honestly I have to look at everything again and again dear Susan..Love the napkins too.. and the snowmen:)
    Could be a magazine spread~ Truly.Love the tree and seeing your little house outside..I've always loved that studio:)

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  15. You are one amazing, talented women and I enjoyed your blog today, it made me relax...beautiful once again!

    ~Sarah

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  16. What a lovely post, Susan. From recipes to your decorations! And your table looks amazing. How I'd love to have all those silver and whites on my table. So very elegant. I'll have to see what I can work out this year. I've done my centerpiece and purchased some new napkins; I have two meals to plan, but will concentrate on the second and take lots of photos for next year!

    I love Annalee things too. I had the most adorable Christmas Card holder; I had it for years and years. Somehow this year it was packed against something in a box and got ruined. I was so sad. Now I'll have to start looking again. It hung on a door and was so cute.

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  17. This post is eye candy from beginning to end! Both of those cookies look like works of art and both recipes do indeed sound good. I need to get a start on some Christmas baking and think I might have to try the kringle cookies :)

    The tablesetting is gorgeous, I love the ornaments in crystal bowls in the centerpieces (and the snow birds of course!).

    The folded tree napkins are very striking in the setting as well and I especially love the evening shots of the candlelit table and the tree with the view out of the window.

    I still wish we lived closer so you could teach me photography tips - amazing photos always!

    Great post!

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  18. Everything looks so lovely, Susan. I'm absolutely smitten with those adorable snow men.... they look like they're sitting on a frozen pond. Did Marsha makes those little cuties?

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  19. Wow- the photography here is amazing! Love what you did with your white table- the mixture of the two metals looks gorgeous! And what yummy looking pastries and cookies, on top of that. My BIL is from Racine, so he always brings us Kringle to eat. There is no way those cookies would ever stay on my tree- hah! -they would be gone as soon as they got hung- By ME!!! I will have to check out more of your blog- looks very very appetizing...Thanks for the visit.
    ~ Sue

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  20. Susan, we grew up on Swedish Kringle, and loved it! My sisters still request it for the holidays. I'd like to give your recipe a try as well. Your table with the sparkling crystal is lovely! Love the sweet snowmen :o)

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  21. Your Christmas really IS going to be a white one! These cookies and Kringles look fabulous! And yay for snow! I think 2 inches is the perfect amount.

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  22. Scrumptious photos today...my favorite is the last. What beautiful Christmas tree napkins for your charmingly decorated table.

    Thanks, as always, for the yummy recipes. It's fun to try new recipes for Christmas.

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  23. Forgot to say that your gifts from your cyber pals are so sweet and thoughtful.

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  24. Susan, I always enjoyed your Christmas decorations on GB. Love the new ornament and snowmen.

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  25. Julie from mommie cooks made kringle recently :-)

    amazing cookies and decor

    Rebecca

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  26. What an amazing post! Everything is so beautiful! Love the snowflake stars, they're so pretty!!

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  27. your decoration is so adorable!

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  28. Your table is so pretty, love the tree folded napkins. The pastries are also pretty and looks so yummy!..Christine

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  29. Susan...you are a napkin folding rock star!! I love the Christmas tree napkins. Your goodies look devine and your table is simply elegant :)

    Merry CHRISTmas!
    Gail

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  30. Susan, YOur table is sophicated and elegent. And I LOVE the napkin trees! They are the icing on the top of your beautiful table.

    Thank you so much for the Kringle recipe. My aunt lives in Racine and when she visits, she always brings lots of kringle and we love it. I just might have to make this to have for Christmas morning brunch.

    YOur pictues are gorgeous!!!!!
    xo Yvonne

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  31. I love your table decoration looks very elegant and professional. Not only food but the setting must be beautiful as well.

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  32. Susan, I just love your table; so much class yet I still sophisticated and comfy. Your white cookies are a nice touch. Kringle Cutouts caught my eye.
    I went to visit Nana's table and fell in love; Merci.
    Rita

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  33. The white table with the bubbly is very impressive and so chic. Your pastries are equally elegant. You've really put me in the holiday spirit this morning.
    Sam

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  34. Love everything about this post! The cookies, the cute decorations and your table is beautifully set! The napkin is so elegantly folded. These photos looks like from a magazine covering a 5 star dining! Fantastic job!

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  35. What a great post. Love the addition of those beautiful cookies and lovely gifts. Your table just sparkles and what a great view to the lighted tree outside. Looks so warm and inviting. Happy holidays,
    Carey

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  36. loving this post! it looks like you will be having a warm and cozy christmas! love all of the details and shimmery white!

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  37. What a fantastic post! Your desserts look delicious. I have a vision of making the snowflake cookies and hanging them around the garland over my kitchen sink - the problem is that I'd be picking them off and eating them LOL!!! Your table looks stunning, and did I spy some Lenox Holiday plates . . . I also have an Annalee collection! I haven't put Mr. & Mrs. Claus out yet . . . but I did put my peppermint ski bunny out!

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  38. wonderful atmosphere through your spectacular photos! dear Susan, I'm dazzled! A hug....

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  39. What a beautiful table, Susan, and the outdoor scenery is gorgeous too! I loved how you folded the napkin, stunning. And the pastries, just fabulous. I didn't get my box from Marsha yet, so I guess that's what is in it?
    Thank you so much for joining the party, a wonderful post!

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  40. Where to start? Your table is gorgeous, lovin' the napkins and the crystal adds so much sparkle! The cookies, oh boy, I'd love some of them! And the gifts are just sooo cute, love the little cat and the snowmen have so much character! I could be wrong... but they look like they could get into some trouble-enjoy:@)

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  41. What beautiful photographs! What gorgeous ideas. I was completely mesmerized.. this post is a magazine of gorgeous Christmas memories.
    Nice to know someone is hosting this kind of idea.
    :)
    Valerie

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  42. Your white Christmas post is dazzling, Susan. Every photo is wonderful. A table set in white is so elegant for the holidays and your folded napkins take it over the top.

    I especially like the photo of the snowmen.

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  43. La Table De Nana is right, this could be a magazine spread. It's all so gorgeous.

    I love how your centerpiece is so simple that anyone could do and it is beautiful.

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  44. Good luck with the Madeleines; keep me posted.
    Rita

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  45. Such beautiful setting! It's always nice to have a white christmas =)

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  46. It's always so beautiful at your table... how remarkable to have blog friends for 8 years... oh my! Gorgeous table and ornaments and I love those stuffed cookies (well I love jam in anything!!!). I can't wait to see what's next... need to starch some napkins to start folding! I had to do fancy folding for a historical table shoot for PBS... I wanted to yank my hair out by the time I was done.. but they looked swell!!! I don't think I've done fancy folds since, my bad. You've inspired me!

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  47. I don't know where to start. It's all so beautiful. And I am very intrigued by your napkin folding. How much fun is that? I just found out that my son and his family will maybe be home for Easter and I am definitely going to figure out how to make bunny napkins for the grand-daughters. Won't they love that? Thank you for the inspiration and Merry Christmas. ~ xo Lynn at thevintagenest. P.S. you have a new follower....me.. :)

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  48. I'm dreaming of an inside white Christmas just like yours! All of the sweet treats look delicious! And, I'd love to sit down to your table. I have the same Lenox Christmas china pattern. We use it from the day after Thanksgiving until Boxing Day and I never tire of it.

    More snow due here this evening and tomorrow so I made a quick grocery run just in case. Other than that, I'm pretty much ready so let Christmas hurry fast!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  49. That last photo is stunning! I just stumbled across your blog, and I'm glad I did...it's lovely!

    Consumed: My Culinary Adventure

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  50. Both recipes look wonderful. And you have such a beautiful table! I love those Christmas tree napkins!

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  51. The cookie ornaments are a very yummy looking idea.

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  52. A really beautiful post! The pastries look so delicious.

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  53. Great table and amazing cookies.

    - The Tablescaper

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  54. I am so thrilled that you have all taken the time to comment during this busy, busy season. Thank you for all of your kind and thoughtful comments!

    Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy and Healthy New Year to each and every one of you!

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  55. Wow! What a spectacular set up for a white Christmas! Love all your "white" creations. Have a lovely celebration.

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  56. Susan, You're so sweet to comment on my blog. All is well, just busy. I can't tell you how many recipes I use of yours, thank you for sharing your recipe file online. Your Kringles look delicious! A jam filled cookie calls out to me almost any time of the year.

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  57. Where do I start? From your kringle cutouts and cookies, your wonderful gifts to your fabulous tablescape, I can't choose which I like more. All lovely! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

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  58. those cutouts and snowflake cookies are amazing!

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  59. Well dear Susan, the blizzard bullet that missed you, nailed me right in the keister.
    I hope you're happy.


    But ultimately, so am I. I'm happy because my car got stuck in the driveway, which forced me to stay home today, and ogle your lovely white Christmas treats, and decorations. Beauty beyond words.


    One more thing. Since this is a time for giving, I hope you won't mind if I steal your tree napkin idea.


    Happy Holidays hugs to you!

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  60. The table settings and the photos are beautiful; I feel as though we are witnessing a new Martha in the making. I love all these cookies, they are perfect holiday cookies especially the snowflake ones. Outstanding post!

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  61. A beautiful beautiful post...everything is just a feast for the eye...the napkins, the elgant cookies, the deorations...a faiy tale!
    Bises
    Ronelle

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  62. Everything looks so lovely. Your baking really made me hungry and then your table -wow. Have a great day.

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  63. What a gorgeous White Christmas... from the Table, the Kringles, those wonderful folded Tree Napkins~ down to the blanket of snow! Love your glowing tree and light reflections! I've always admired those Annalee figures with their sweet faces! Hope you & your family have a wonderful Christmas :-)

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  64. I'm eager to go check out your Christmas Tree napkin tutorial. Your white on white tablescape is so pretty. Thank you for sharing your charming design and your cookie recipes. Cherry Kay

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  65. The best part of blogging is making friends. It's amazing that Monique and you have been friends since 2002. And the gift from Marsha is so kind.
    I love jam filled cookies, the Kringles look fab!

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  66. Wauuu...gorgeous table in did!
    Happy Holidays, dear Susan ;-)

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