Norwegian Berlinerkranser (Berlin Wreaths) Cookies

Despite their name these pretty  butter cookie wreaths are among the most traditional of the Norwegian Christmas cookies.

Way back in the day it was tradition to make 7 different sorts of cookies for the holidays and this one was a staple among the lot. I remember my grandmother making these in large batches along with many other cookies as well. I am happy to keep the tradition alive for my children. God Jul! (Norwegian for Merry Christmas!)

Ingredients:
1 egg yolk, hard boiled
1 egg , uncooked, yolk and white separated
4 tablespoons sugar
175 grams all-purpose flour
125 grams butter, softened

1 egg white for brushing
pearl sugar, for sprinkling tops

Preparation:

Bring water to a boil in a small pot. Add 1 large egg and boil, about 10-11 minutes. Cool under cold running water. Peel shell off egg, cut open and remove the yolk. Cool yolk for a couple of minutes.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, crumble the cooked yolk and add raw egg yolk and sugar.

Beat until well blended.  Add flour and butter alternately, in 3 batches, starting and ending with flour. Beat until just combined. Do not over work the dough. It will be fairly soft. Chill 1 hour. It is important to keep the dough cold, so I suggest working with half the dough at a time and keeping the other half in the fridge until ready to use. Break off small pieces of dough (about the size of 1/2 tablespoon). On a very lightly floured surface, roll dough out to a 12 cm (4 1/2 inches) long roll.

Form into a wreath by making a circle and crossing one end over the other. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before proceeding with the egg wash. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Brush cookies with lightly whisked egg white and dip in pearl sugar.

Bake 11-13 minutes on middle rack, until slightly golden and starting to brown around the edges. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cool completely and store tightly covered.

Yield: I got 24 cookies

Recipe can easily be doubled or tripled!