Savor the Season: Icelandic Christmas Cookies - Margenstoppar Recipe
The festive season in Iceland is a time of warmth, togetherness, and delightful traditions.
One such tradition that warms the heart and fills the air with the sweet aroma of Christmas is the baking of Margenstoppar. These delectable Icelandic Christmas cookies are buttery, nutty, and truly irresistible. In this blog post, we'll take you on a culinary journey to discover the magic of Margenstoppar and provide you with authentic recipes to recreate these holiday treats in your own kitchen.
Margenstoppar - A Taste of Icelandic Christmas
Margenstoppar, also known as "Meringue Peaks" in English, are a beloved part of Iceland's Christmas celebrations. These bite-sized cookies are simple in appearance but burst with rich flavors that capture the essence of the season.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make Margenstoppar:
For the Cookies:
- 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter
- 200g (7 oz) granulated sugar
- 200g (7 oz) finely ground almonds
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Dark chocolate, melted (optional)
- Chopped almonds (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Ground Almonds:
- Gradually fold in the finely ground almonds to the butter-sugar mixture.
4. Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step adds a light, airy texture to the cookies.
5. Combine and Flavor:
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the almond mixture. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
6. Form Cookies:
- Using a spoon or a pastry bag, drop small dollops of the dough onto the lined baking sheet. These will be your Margenstoppar.
7. Bake and Decorate:
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Once cooled, you can dip the bottom of the cookies in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle chopped almonds on top for extra indulgence.
8. Enjoy the Magic of Margenstoppar:
- Let the cookies cool completely, and then serve them on a platter for friends and family to enjoy.
As you savor the delightful Margenstoppar, you'll not only be treating your taste buds but also experiencing a cherished Icelandic tradition. These cookies embody the essence of Christmas in Iceland - simple, heartwarming, and filled with love.
So, this holiday season, why not bring a touch of Icelandic Christmas magic to your home? Whip up a batch of Margenstoppar, and share the joy with your loved ones. With each delicious bite, you'll be celebrating the spirit of togetherness and the rich culture of Iceland.
From all of us at the OLS Icelandic community, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with the warmth of family, friends, and, of course, the delightful flavors of Margenstoppar.
--
Íris, OLS Community Manager – Icelandic