• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Hilda's Kitchen Blog

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Book
  • About
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Book
    • About
    • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Recipes
    • Book
    • About
    • Subscribe

    You Are Here Home » Sweets Recipes

    Published: Nov 26, 2021 Updated: Nov 30, 2021 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 4 Comments

    Krumkaker Norwegian Christmas Cookies

    Sharing is caring!

    186 shares
    • Share146
    • Yummly
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Krumkake pin

    Krumkake (Krumkaker, plural) are traditional Norwegian Christmas Cakes (or cookies), related to Italian Pizzelles. The delicate and crispy cookies are flavored with cardamom and almond extract, which gives them their distinct flavor.

    krumkaker in a bowl with more on a cooling rack and counter
    Krumkaker ready to be filled

    About This Recipe

    The Norwegean word "Krumkake" (pronounced "Kroom-kaka") means "croissant" or a "curved cake." To make these delicious cookies, batter is poured into a Krumkake Iron (paid link) which imprints a decorative pattern into the buttery flat discs.

    Before hardening (which happens almost instantly), the cookies are rolled around a wooden cone (included in the kit) to resemble Cannoli shells. The shells can be enjoyed as is or piped with whipped cream and berries. A traditional filling called "Multekrem" (a mixture of whipped cream, sugar, and cloudberries) is sometimes used to fill the shells.

    Krumkake filled with whipped cream and huckleberry sauce

    Cloudberry jam (paid link) is actually available on Amazon, then again, what isn't? I would venture to guess you can mix the jam with whipped cream, then pipe the yummy filling into the shaped cookies.

    Why This Recipe Works

    Krumkaker are easy to prepare and fun to make, once you get into the rhythm. The first few may stick, burn, or ooze, but once you get into your groove, it can actually be therapeutic.

    Make it a Christmas tradition and prepare the Krumkake with your kids or grandkids. Of course, you should start with some Christmas music (paid link) in the background to set the mood. While you cook the little cakes, your little helpers can roll them on a wooden Krumkake mold (paid link).

    Speaking of Christmas, Krumkaker make great Christmas gifts! Store them in cute Christmas tins (which you can usually pick up at the dollar store) and spread some holiday cheer!

    What Goes Into This Recipe

    krumkaker ingredients, labeled

    Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Flour — This recipe calls for all-purpose white flour.
    • Milk — Sometimes cream is used instead of milk. I haven't tried making the cookies using cream but you should be able to substitute cream or half & half for the milk.
    • Extract — Although almond extract is traditional, you can use vanilla, anise, or lemon extract instead.
    • Cardamom — Cardamom is a traditional ingredient in Norwegian pastries. If you prefer, you can either leave it out or substitute it with ½ the amount of freshly grated nutmeg.
    • Oil — I like to season the iron with avocado oil, which has a high smoke point. If you don't have avocado oil, you can use vegetable oil or butter.

    How to Make This Recipe

    Prepare the Iron: If using a krumkake iron (paid link), heat on the stove over low-medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. The iron is ready when a drop of water immediately sizzles when added to the hot iron. If using a Pizzelle Iron (paid link), turn it on and wait for the light indicating it's ready to use. Brush the iron with some vegetable oil to season it.

    seasoning a Krumkake iron with oil

    Step 1: Crack eggs into a medium-sized bowl and whisk for 60 seconds. Add sugar and whisk to combine. Pour melted butter into the bowl and continue to whisk. Add milk, flour, cardamom, almond extract, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are incorporated. Refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes.

    • eggs being whisked in a glass bowl
    • ingredients being whisked in a glass bowl
    • butter being whisked in a glass bowl
    • batter ingredient being whisked in a glass bowl
    • batter ingredient being batter in a glass bowl
    • ingredient being whisked and spices in a glass bowl

    Step 2: Fill a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop (paid link) ¾ full of batter and pour it into the center of the preheated iron. Gently press the iron together.

    • krumkake batter being added to a Krumkake iron
    • krumkake batter on a krumkaker iron
    • krumkake iron on the stove
    • krumkaker batter oozing out of a krumkake baker

    Tip: If excess batter oozes from the sides, reduce the amount of batter being used and quickly wipe off the excess batter with a paper towel.

    Step 3: Cook the cookies for approximately 25 seconds (using a timer). Turn the iron to the other side and cook for another 25 seconds. The time will vary based on your stove's heat setting, but you're trying to achieve a golden brown color.

    • krumkake being cooked
    • Krumkaker being cooked

    Step 4: Quickly remove the cookies from the iron using an offset spatula and immediately roll around the wooden cone. The cookies begin to harden almost immediately. Set the rolled cookie seam-side down while you prepare the next one. Continue until you have used up all the batter.

    • peeling Krumkake from an iron
    • rolling a Krumkake on a hot iron
    • Norwegian cookies on a cooling rack
      The more embossed side of the cookie should be facing out.

    Tip: Some people like to roll the Krumkaker on the hot iron while they are still pliable. Try doing it both ways and see what method you prefer.

    Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips

    What is the difference between Pizzelle and Krumkake?

    Pizzelle are delicate Italian cookies, flavored with anise and prepared in a Pizzelle maker. They are usually sprinkled with confectioners sugar.

    Krumkaker are Norwegian, thin "cakes" or cookies that are flavored with cardamom and almond extract. They are also prepared with a decorative iron, however, they are thinner than Pizzelle and are usually molded while still warm, then filled with whipped cream and fruit.

    Pizzelle on a rackKrumkaker being cooked

    Why is my Krumkake soft?

    Krumkake can be soft if not cooked long enough, or if stored prior to being cooled off completely. This can also happen if the recipe being used does not have the right ratio of ingredients.

    What is a Krumkake Baker?

    A Krumkake Baker is just another name for the iron used to cook the thin Norwegian cakes. The Krumkake Baker base sits over the flame on the stove. It has two decorative plates with wooden handles that fit suspended over the base. The plates rotate so that the Krumkake batter can cook evenly, and be easily removed for cleaning.

    krumkaker maker and a cone

    Can you use a Pizzelle Iron to make Krumkake?

    Either a Pizzelle Iron or a Krumkake Iron can be used to make Krumkake. Electric Pizzelle Irons allow you to make 2 cookies at a time, while Krumkake Irons only make one at a time.

    Can I freeze krumkake?

    Krumkake freeze well. The trick is to allow them to cool completely prior to freezing them. Because they are so delicate, the cookies may be crushed if frozen in a freezer bag. A better option may be to freeze them in Tupperware.

    • Avoid touching the handle or handles of the Krumkake baker, which are not insulated and can burn your hand.
    • Making Krumkaker is easier when you have someone to help you roll the cookies as you cook the next one.
    • When you cook the krumkake, you'll notice one side will be more embossed than the other. Make sure the prettier side is facing out when you roll them.
    • If you fill the Krumkaker too soon, they will get soggy. Don't fill the shells until you are ready to serve them.
    • You can play around with the flavor by trying different extracts including vanilla and lemon. You can also add cocoa powder to the batter to make chocolate-flavored Krumkaka. Reduce the amount of flour equal to the amount of cocoa added.
    • I always leave some of the cookies unrolled to enjoy with my tea and for easier storage.
    krumkaker in a bowl with one on top

    Related Recipes

    • Pizzelle on a rack
      Authentic Italian Pizzelle Cookies
    • kileche under a Christmas tree
      Kileche | Kleicha (Assyrian Holiday Cookies)
    • tin with gingerbread men with christmas tree behind it
      Delicious Gingerbread Men Cookies
    • fig biscotti
      Best Biscotti Recipe (fig-walnut)

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    krumkaker in a bowl

    Krumkaker Norwegian Christmas Cookies

    Similar to Italian Pizzelles, these delicious cardamom-flavored cakes (or cookies) are prepared with a krumkake iron and shaped over a cone so that they can be filled with whipped cream and fruit.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Norwegian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Resting Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
    Servings: 50 cookies
    Calories: 48kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    • 3 medium eggs
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
    • 1 cup whole milk (half and half, or cream)
    • 1½ cups all-purpose white flour
    • 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon oil (for seasoning the iron)

    Instructions

    • If using a krumkake iron (paid link), heat on the stove over low-medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. The iron is ready when a drop of water immediately sizzles when added to the hot iron. If using a Pizzelle Iron (paid link), turn it on and wait for the light indicating it's ready to use. Brush either one with oil to season them prior to use.

    Cooking Instructions

    • Crack eggs into a medium-sized bowl and whisk for 60 seconds. Add sugar and whisk to combine. Pour melted butter into the bowl and continue to whisk. Add milk, flour, cardamom, almond extract, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are incorporated. Refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes.
    • Fill a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop (paid link) ¾ full of batter and pour it into the center of the preheated iron. Gently press the iron together. 
    • Cook the cookies for approximately 25 seconds (using a timer). Turn the iron to the other side and cook for another 25 seconds. The time will vary based on your stove's heat setting, but you're trying to achieve a golden brown color.
    • Quickly remove the cookies from the iron using an offset spatula and immediately roll around the wooden cone. The cookies begin to harden almost immediately. Set the rolled cookie seam-side down while you prepare the next one. Continue until you have used up all the batter. 

    Notes

    • If excess batter oozes from the sides, reduce the amount of batter being used and quickly wipe off the excess batter with a paper towel.
    • Avoid touching the handle or handles of the Krumkake baker, which are not insulated and can burn your hand.
    • Making Krumkaker is easier when you have someone to help you roll the cookies, as you cook the next one.
    • Some people like to roll the Krumkaker on the hot iron while they are still pliable. Try doing it both ways and see what method you prefer.
    • When you cook the krumkake you'll notice one side will be more embossed than the other. Make sure the prettier side is facing out when you roll them.
    • If you fill the Krumkaker too soon, they will get soggy. Don't fill the shells until you are ready to serve them.
    • You can play around with the flavor by trying different extracts including vanilla and lemon. You can also add some cocoa powder to the batter to make chocolate-flavored Krumkaka. Reduce the amount of flour equal to the amount of cocoa added.
    • I always leave some of the cookies unrolled to enjoy with my tea and for easier storage.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 53mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 4g
    Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

    More Sweets Recipes

    • cadbury egg cookies on blue plastic nesting material
      Cadbury Mini Egg Cookies
    • lemon shortbread cookies on a cooling rack
      Lemon Shortbread Cookies
    • mini palmiers cookie on a spatula over a baking sheet with more cookies
      Mini Palmiers Recipe
    • heart shaped cookies
      Easy Heart Shaped Cookies

    Sharing is caring!

    186 shares
    • Share146
    • Yummly
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




       

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Kelly Methey says

      December 05, 2021 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      These light and crispy Krumkaker cookies are so delicious! They are perfection filled or not. They are perfect with a cup of tea for an anytime pick me up or as a celebration of Christmas. They are just fantastic whenever you eat them!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        December 05, 2021 at 5:22 pm

        Thanks Kelly, I'm glad you like these yummy cookies.

        Reply
    2. Kathy Fisher says

      November 26, 2021 at 1:48 pm

      Krumkake was a staple of Christmas in our Norwegian family. Cardamom is the key ingredient in my opinion. I love pizzelles too but without the cardamom they just don't quite hit the mark for me. But, I'll never turn one down. Just reading your blog gives this Christmas season a jump start for me. Leslie is probably an expert at making these. I haven't had one in decades. That may change. I think I have a krumkake iron somewhere in the basement. I think I'll start the hunt.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        November 26, 2021 at 3:39 pm

        Oh, I should have talked to Leslie before posting this recipe, she could have given me some tips. Let me know if you can't find your krumakake iron, you can borrow mine.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    profile photo-Hilda

    Hi, I'm Hilda! I'm the creator of Hilda's Kitchen Blog, author of Mom's Authentic Assyrian Recipes, and a recipe contributor to Brian Baumgartner's Seriously Good Chili Cookbook (AKA Kevin Malone, from The Office).

    Are you looking for a little inspiration in the kitchen? Let me show you how to use unique ingredients to make tasty meals for your family! more about me →

    Get My Cookbook!

    cook book on a wooden board

    Easter Recipes

    • easter round up main photo
      35 Tasty Easter Recipe Ideas
    • a slice of carrot cake on a white plate
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • kileche under a Christmas tree
      Kileche | Kleicha (Assyrian Holiday Cookies)
    • roasted carrots
      Parmesan Roasted Rainbow Carrots
    • healthy deviled eggs on a blue plate
      Healthy Keto Deviled Eggs
    • birds nests on a plate
      Bird Nest Recipe (Osh El Bulbul) Baklava

    Check Out My Etsy Shop!

    montana healing salves logo

    Popular Recipes

    • Katiafi pastry
      How to Make Kataifi Pastry from scratch!
    • smoked Tri Tip being sliced
      Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip
    • smoked turkey breast on the grill
      Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
    • tri tip sandwiches featured image
      Tri-Tip Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions
    • orange powder in a jar with oranges around it
      Drying Orange Peels and How to Use Them
    • jiffy cornbread with creamed corn in a cast iron pan with a slice removed
      Jiffy Cornbread with Creamed Corn

    Featured On

    featured on

    Subscribe to Get my Latest Recipes!

    Privacy Policy

    Stay Connected

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • My Etsy Shop

    Policies

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Photo & Content Sharing Policy

    LET'S CONNECT!

    • Contact Page
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 • Hildas Kitchen Blog • All rights reserved