Värmland Knots (Värmländska Knutar) Recipe
Introduction: Värmland knots, or “Värmländska knutar” in Swedish, are a traditional pastry from the Värmland region in Sweden. These delicious knots are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, making them a delightful treat for any time of day. The recipe is simple yet yields a rich flavor, thanks to the combination of cardamom, sugar, and butter. The knots are typically enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, and they’re a perfect example of Swedish fika culture.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ cups (550 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 4 ½ tsp active dry yeast (about 2 packets)
- 5 ½ cups (700 g) all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
For the filling:
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cardamom
For brushing and topping:
- 1 egg, beaten
- Pearl sugar or coarse granulated sugar (optional)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparing the Dough:
- Start by warming the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s lukewarm (around 110°F or 43°C). Be careful not to overheat it, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, yeast, and ¼ cup of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Add the softened butter, ground cardamom, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should start to come together but remain slightly sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Preparing the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, sugar, and ground cardamom in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Assembling the Knots:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 16×20 inches (40×50 cm) in size.
- Spread the cardamom butter filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
- Fold the dough in thirds lengthwise, like folding a letter, so you have a long, narrow strip.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the strip into 12-16 equal pieces, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
- Take each strip and twist it into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath to secure the shape. Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one.
- Cover the baking sheet with a kitchen towel and let the knots rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have puffed up slightly.
- Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the knots have risen, brush them with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish. Sprinkle pearl sugar or coarse granulated sugar on top if desired.
- Bake the knots in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove the knots from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Serving:
- The Värmland knots can be served warm or at room temperature. If you like, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
- These knots are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea and make an excellent addition to a fika spread.
Conclusion:
Värmland knots are a delightful Swedish pastry that combines the comforting flavors of cardamom, sugar, and butter into a soft and fluffy treat. Their beautiful knot shape makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether you’re enjoying them as part of a traditional Swedish fika or simply as a sweet snack, these knots are sure to impress. The recipe is straightforward, but the results are truly special, offering a taste of Swedish tradition in every bite.