Norwegian Fancy Cookies are traditional fried Christmas cookies that is very popular in Norway and among Norwegian American homes. The cookies are shaped into knots or be twisted into a ring. Hjortebakelse is a nordic tradition in my home that I plan to carry on.
Norwegian Fancy Cookies (Hjortebakelse)
The recipe is very simple and is a perfect snowy day recipe. You can look out the windows and warm the house with the heat of cooking. Enjoy the smells of something delicious.
These little Norwegian Fancy Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and crispy. The cardamom gives them a distinct, aromatic flavor. It’s both warming and comforting. The soft, pillowy texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp golden exterior. Whether you’re serving them with a hot cup of tea or enjoying them as a snack while watching the snow fall, these cookies will fill your home with cozy, nostalgic vibes. And the best part, they’re incredibly easy to make.
Get the Family and Let’s Begin
Start by whisking the softened butter and sugar together in a bowl. This will take about five minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, continuing to whisk until everything is smooth. Then, mix in the cream of tartar, cardamom, and salt until fully combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until you get a stiff but smooth dough. Now cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. The dough needs to be firm enough to handle.
Shaping the Hjortebakelse
When the dough is ready, take it out of the fridge and scoop two tablespoons at a time. Roll each portion into a 5-inch long stick. Shape them however you like—twist them into knots, form circles with slashed edges, or make shorter 3-inch sticks and alternate slashing each side. I personally love the knots for their fun look and texture, but feel free to get creative and shape them however you prefer.
While you shape the dough, heat about 2 quarts of vegetable or canola oil in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Bring the oil to 375°F, which is the perfect frying temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles right away, the oil is ready.
Frying the Norwegian Fancy Cookies
Once the oil reaches the right temperature, carefully drop the shaped dough into the oil, working in batches. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning with tongs or a fish spatula until they’re golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the cookies soggy. When they’re golden on both sides, remove them from the oil and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
After the cookies have cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar while they’re still warm. The sugar will soak into the crispy edges and give them that perfect finish.
Enjoying the Norwegian Fancy Cookies
These Norwegian Fancy Cookies make a cozy, comforting snack, perfect for any time you want something sweet and warm. The crispy outside and soft inside make the cookies delicious. Plus, infused with that beautiful flavor of cardamom. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them on your own, they’re the perfect treat for a quiet winter day. Enjoy every bite!
Delicious Norwegian Fancy cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/2 Tsp Cream of Tartar
- 1/2 Tsp Ground cardamom
- 1/4 Tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 Cups All-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar
- 2 Qts Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil (shortening can also be used)
Instructions
The Dough
- Add Sugar and Softened butter to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk together for about 5 minutes.
- Add eggs and continue whisking until light.
- Add the Cream of Tartar, Cardamom, and Salt to mixing bowl. Whisk until combined fully.
- Add the flour 1 cup at a time and mix using wooden spoon until you have a stiff smooth dough.
- Chill for about an hour in the refrigerator or until it is firm.
Frying
- Using 2 tablespoons at a time, shape dough into 5 inch long sticks.
- Shape them into knots, or make circles and slash the edges.
- Heat your oil to 375°f in a cast iron skillet or dutch oven.
- Place cookies in dutch oven. Fry the cookies until they are golden brown, then flip and cook the other sides to the same.
- Remove them from the hot oil using a pair of tongs or fish spatula and place on a cooling rack with paper towels on it to soak up the excess oil.
- Dust with the powdered sugar and serve when cooled.
Nutrition
For more Christmas cookie ideas check out my family’s favorite: Spiced Hot Cocoa Cookies or see my relatable section below.
Comments
One response to “Norwegian Fancy Cookies: A Simple, Cozy Winter Treat”
Such a cozy treat!