Delight your loved ones this Christmas with the exquisite flavors of Berliner Kranz Cookies, a delightful treat perfect for gifting or adding a touch of elegance to your buffet table. Passed down by Mother to Edie Despain from Logan, Utah, this cherished family recipe guarantees compliments and joy from those who savor these delectable cookies.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 hard-cooked eggs
- 1 cup butter-flavored shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 uncooked egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup half-and-half cream
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- Red and green sugar
- Red-hot candies
PREPARATIONS:
- Cut the hard-cooked eggs in half lengthwise and remove the yolks. Press the yolks through a potato ricer or strainer into a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the uncooked egg yolks, hard-cooked egg yolks, and almond extract. Combine the flour and salt, then add them to the creamed mixture alternately with the cream, beating well after each addition. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour or until it becomes easy to handle.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of ⅛ inch and cut it with a floured 2½-inch doughnut cutter. Reroll any dough scraps if desired.
- Place the cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets and brush them with egg white. Sprinkle colored sugar on the cookies as desired. Bake them at 350°F for 6 minutes, then carefully decorate them with candies. Continue baking for 4-8 minutes longer or until the edges are lightly browned. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool.
YIELD:
- Makes 4 dozen cookies
COOKING TIME:
- 40 minutes (Prep) + Chilling + 6-14 minutes (Bake)
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- For a traditional wreath shape, use a floured 2½-inch doughnut cutter.
In conclusion, Berliner Kranz Cookies are a delightful and time-honored Christmas treat that will make your holiday celebrations extra special. Edie Despain’s family recipe, passed down from her mother, brings joy and compliments with each bite of these exquisite cookies.
The preparation of these cookies involves a unique touch of incorporating hard-cooked egg yolks, adding richness and flavor to the dough. The combination of butter-flavored shortening, almond extract, and half-and-half cream creates a delightful and tender cookie with a hint of sweetness.
Shaped like beautiful wreaths, these Berliner Kranz Cookies are a traditional holiday symbol in Scandinavian countries. They not only make a pretty presentation on a buffet table but also serve as a delightful Christmas gift for your loved ones.
Creating these delectable cookies is a delightful process, with each step infused with love and tradition. The cookie dough is rolled, cut, and carefully decorated with red and green sugar, creating a festive and eye-catching appearance. The addition of red-hot candies adds an extra touch of color and holiday spirit to these charming cookies.
Sharing Berliner Kranz Cookies with family, friends, and co-workers is a wonderful way to spread joy and embrace the holiday spirit. The time-honored recipe guarantees compliments and brings cherished memories of Christmas celebrations with every bite.
In conclusion, Berliner Kranz Cookies are a delightful and festive addition to your holiday festivities. So, gather your ingredients, roll out the dough, and create these exquisite cookies that will impress and delight everyone around your table.
