Danish Christmas customs might be new to you unless you have family from that part of the world. The winters there involve long dark nights and plenty of snow so the traditions revolve around warmth and comfort food.
I have gathered 10 of the best Danish Christmas cookies right here for you to try this season.
1. Danish Wedding Cookies
You might notice these remind you of Italian wedding cookies. The pecans in the batter and that powdered sugar coating really give off that vibe.
Cinnamon sets these apart from smør bullar though. That spice gives them a distinct flavor profile.
They are essentially very similar aside from that one ingredient.
2. Klejner
These look a bit strange with their twisted and funky shape. They are fun to make and basically sit halfway between a fried donut and a cookie.
Top them with copious amounts of powdered sugar and they taste like a less greasy funnel cake. Cardamom is optional but adds a fresh flavor to balance the sugar.
3. Coffee-Flavored Danish Butter Cookies
These start like standard butter cookies but get a boost from three teaspoons of instant coffee. That addition creates a robust flavor and a deep brown color.
You can dip them in chocolate and add nuts for extra crunch. They look complex but come together quickly with four dozen ready in under 90 minutes.
4. Vaniljekranse (Vanilla Wreath Butter Cookies)
You have likely seen these wreath-shaped treats in those ubiquitous metal tins. They offer a crispy texture with a buttery taste and light vanilla extract flavor.
Their shape makes them perfect for holiday trays. Making them at home saves you a trip to the store and some money too.
5. Honninghjerter, or Honey Hearts
You cannot make these spiced honey cookies the day before you need them. The dough actually requires five weeks of resting time.
It sounds strange but the flour and honey batter is simple to prep. You add the remaining ingredients a few days before serving these beautiful golden hearts.
6. Jødekager
These thin round treats are also known as Jewish cookies. Kids often help make them because the base uses standard ingredients like butter and flour and eggs.
You finish them with an egg wash and a mix of almonds and cinnamon sugar. The crunchy nuts pair perfectly with the chewy texture of the easiest cookie on this list.
7. Pebernødder
They look like darker and crumblier Nilla Wafers but the taste is totally unique. The texture is chewier than the wafers you know.
Flavor notes include spicy ginger and white pepper alongside cinnamon and cardamom. Notes of butter and creamy sugar round out this complex profile.
8. Chocolate-Dipped Danish Butter Cookies
These cookies have a beautiful rose-like appearance. The texture is tender and truly melts in your mouth.
You get a supreme butter flavor with just a hint of vanilla. Dip them in chocolate and add holiday sprinkles for a decadent finish.
9. Smør Bullar
These crunchy little domes call for just six simple ingredients. You just need butter and powdered sugar along with cake flour and vanilla and pecans and salt.
They taste sugary with light vanilla notes. The nuttiness reminds me of other classic wedding cookies.
10. Danish Brunkager
These are for people who want a rich and spicy taste rather than plain vanilla. The recipe uses brown sugar and corn syrup to create a caramel flavor profile.
Spices like cloves and nutmeg join almonds and pistachios in the dough. They are perfect for sitting down with a mug of hot tea or coffee.