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Kransekage: Danish Marzipan Bites with Icing and Berries


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  • Author: Kalle Bergman
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 12

Description

A stack of iced marzipan almond cookies, Denmark’s traditional New Year’s treat, made here as individual berry-topped bites instead of the classic tower.


Ingredients

Units

For the Homemade Marzipan

  • 4 oz (115 g) blanched almonds
  • 2 oz (60 g) sugar
  • 1 large egg white

For the Kransekage

  • 4 oz (115 g) fresh marzipan (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 oz (60 g) sugar
  • 1 egg white

For the Frosting

  • 1/4 cup (30 g) icing sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp water
  • Fresh berries, for garnishing

Instructions

To Make Homemade Marzipan

Blanch the almonds by placing them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then removing them to cool. Slip off the skins.

In a food processor, grind the blanched almonds until they become fine crumbs. Add the sugar and pulse until well combined.

Gradually add the egg white and pulse until the mixture forms a smooth dough. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more ground almonds or powdered sugar.

Once smooth, shape the marzipan into a log or ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour to firm up.

To Make the Kransekage:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg white and sugar until light and fluffy. Fold in the marzipan (homemade or store-bought) and beat until a smooth dough forms.

Roll the dough into a tube, then cut it into

12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until they turn light golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Whisk together the icing sugar and water until smooth. Once the cakes have cooled, drizzle or pipe the frosting over each one.

Before the frosting sets, place a single fresh berry on top of each cake for garnish.

Allow the frosting to stiffen before serving.

Notes

  • Whether you make the marzipan from scratch or buy it, you need 4 oz (115 g) either way — homemade needs an hour in the fridge to firm up before you shape it.
  • The oven runs hot on purpose: 450°F (230°C) for just 6 to 8 minutes sets the outside while the center stays chewy, so pull them the moment the edges turn light gold.
  • Let the cookies cool completely on a rack before icing — the frosting needs a cold surface to set, and the berry goes on before the icing does.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Recipes
  • Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 69
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Protein: 1 g