Danish Learning Community and Resources

Delight in Danish Winter Desserts: Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth 

Winter in Denmark brings with it a wonderful array of desserts that are as comforting as they are delicious. As the days grow shorter and the air turns chilly, there's nothing like indulging in a warm, sweet treat to lift your spirits. Here are the top five Danish winter desserts, along with their corresponding recipes, to share with your fellow students or friends and bring a taste of Denmark to your winter festivities.

1. Æbleskiver  

Æbleskiver, or Danish apple pancakes, are delightful little round pastries that make their appearance during the holiday season. They're traditionally served with powdered sugar and jam, making them the perfect snack to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. Here's the recipe: 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 

• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 

• 1/4 teaspoon salt 

• 2 eggs 

• 1 cup buttermilk 

• 2 tablespoons melted butter 

• Apple slices or applesauce for filling 

• Powdered sugar and jam for serving 

Instructions: 

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. 

2. In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the buttermilk and melted butter. 

3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. 

4. Heat an Æbleskiver pan and add a small amount of batter to each round well. 

5. Place a small apple slice or a spoonful of applesauce in the centre of each. 

6. Cook until the edges are golden brown, then flip and cook the other side. 

7. Serve hot, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by your favourite jam. 

   
   

   Source: Kathrine Egelund

2. Risalamande 

Risalamande is a beloved Danish Christmas dessert, a creamy rice pudding with a hidden almond. It's traditionally served with cherry sauce, and the person who finds the almond in their portion wins a prize. Here's the recipe: 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of short-grain rice 

• 2 cups of milk 

• 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 

• 1/4 cup sugar 

• 1/2 cup chopped almonds 

• 2 cups heavy cream 

• Cherry sauce for serving 

Instructions: 

1. In a saucepan, combine the rice, milk, and vanilla pod or extract. 

2. Cook the rice mixture over low heat until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened. 

3. Remove the vanilla pod (if used) and let the rice pudding cool. 

4. Stir in the chopped almonds and sugar. 

5. Whip the heavy cream until stiff and fold it into the rice mixture. 

6. Serve chilled with cherry sauce. 

   
   

   Source: Gemma Stafford

3. Kringle 

Kringle is a Danish pastry that's popular all year round, but it takes on special charm in the winter months. This braided pastry filled with marzipan and nuts is perfect with a cup of coffee. Here's the recipe 

Ingredients: 

• 1 sheet of puff pastry 

• 1/2 cup marzipan 

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or pecans) 

• 1 egg, beaten 

• Powdered sugar for dusting 

Instructions: 

1. Roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle. 

2. Spread the marzipan evenly over the pastry, leaving a border around the edges. 

3. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the marzipan. 

4. Fold the pastry in half lengthwise, and press the edges to seal. 

5. Cut slits diagonally along the folded edge. 

6. Twist each section and shape the pastry into an oval. 

7. Brush with beaten egg. 

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden. 

9. Let it cool, then dust with powdered sugar.  

4. Pebernødder 

Pebernødder are tiny, spicy cookies that are an essential part of the Danish Christmas tradition. These bite-sized treats are perfect for nibbling and sharing with family and friends. Here's the recipe 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 

• 1/4 cup sugar 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 

• 1/4 cup butter, softened 

• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 

Instructions: 

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and spices. 

2. In another bowl, mix the softened butter and corn syrup until smooth. 

3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. 

4. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. 

5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. 

6. Let them cool before serving 

   
   

   Source: Stinna.dk

5. Hvede 

Hveder are soft, fluffy rolls traditionally enjoyed on "Store Bededag" (Great Prayer Day) in Denmark, a religious holiday. They are often served with a generous dollop of butter and a slice of cheese. Here's the recipe 

Ingredients: 

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) dry yeast 

• 1 cup warm milk 

• 1/4 cup sugar 

• 1/4 cup melted butter 

• 1 egg 

• 1/2 teaspoon salt 

• 4 cups all-purpose flour 

• Additional melted butter for brushing 

Instructions: 

1. In a bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy. 

2. Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. 

3. Gradually add the flour and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. 

4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. 

5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 

6. Form the dough into round rolls and place them on a baking sheet. 

7. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until they are golden. 

8. Brush the warm rolls with melted butter before serving. 

   
   

These delightful Danish winter desserts offer a taste of the season's warmth and charm. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, a holiday, or just indulging in the coziness of winter, these recipes will bring a bit of Danish sweetness to your table. Enjoy making these treats with your fellow students and savour the delightful flavours of Denmark. Velbekomme! (Bon appétit!) 

Alison, OLS Community Manager - Danish