Danish Klyner

Prep: 720 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: Danish

Danish Klyner are delightful fried cookies with a flaky texture, infused with warm spices like cardamom, perfect for sharing during festive occasions or as a sweet treat.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 tablespoons cream
  • 1 pound lard

Instructions

  1. Combine all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
  2. Mix eggs, butter, and cream together until well combined.
  3. Form the dough into a ball and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured board to 1/4 inch thickness.
  5. Cut the dough into diamond shapes with a slit in the center of each.
  6. Turn one end of each diamond through the slit to form a twisted shape.
  7. Place the shaped cookies on a cookie sheet and refrigerate before frying.
  8. Melt lard in an electric frypan over medium heat.
  9. Fry the cookies until golden brown, then drain and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best texture, use chilled butter and lard to maintain the dough's integrity. You can substitute lard with vegetable shortening or a blend of butter and coconut oil if preferred. Ensure to refrigerate the dough overnight to enhance the flavors. When frying, monitor the temperature closely to avoid burning; a thermometer can help maintain the right heat.

Serving Suggestions

Danish Klyner are delightful on their own, but they can be served with a side of whipped cream or a cup of coffee, particularly with International Coffee(Cinnamon) for a cozy pairing. They also make a wonderful treat for holiday gatherings or as part of a dessert platter alongside other sweet bites like German Butterballs.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Klyner in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to two months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Danish Klyner contains roughly 102 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

102 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 15.2g 6% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 748.5mg 33% DV
Potassium 76.2mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 11.3mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.2mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.4mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 105.5mg 8% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out. This allows the flavors to develop further, resulting in even tastier Klyner.

What can I use if I don't have cardamom?

If you don't have cardamom, you can substitute it with an equal amount of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a mix of the two can also work well, though it will alter the traditional taste.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying is traditional for Klyner, you can bake them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. They may not have the same crispy texture as fried ones, but it’s a healthier alternative and still delicious.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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