Norwegian Cookies and Christmas Traditions

As part of our 2026 Synod Assembly under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, we are creating a community recipe book — Rooted at the Table. Submit your recipe by Friday, May 1, 2026, and learn more here.

Submitted by Michelle Reaban (Desert Cross, Tempe)

These traditional Norwegian cookies are deeply tied to memory and generosity.

Originally shared by Grandma Thedens, Kringla became a staple in college care packages and later a cherished Christmas gift shared with friends each year.

Recipes often become traditions because they create anticipation, joy, and connection across distance and time.

Kringla - Norwegian Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 STICKS OF BUTTER

  • 1 1/2 CUPS WHITE SUGAR

  • 2 CUPS SOUR CREAM

  • 4 CUPS FLOUR

  • 1/2 TSP SALT

  • 1 TSP BAKING POWDER

  • 1 TSP SODA

  • 1 TSP VANILLA

Instructions

MIX WELL....

REFRIGERATE OVERNIGHT. 

ROLL WHILE DOUGH IS COLD

TAKE 1 HEAPING TBL. OF DOUGH AND ROLL ON A FLOURED BOARD TO ABOUT 6 INCHES LONG.

FORM A ""B"" ON A COOKIE SHEET WITH EACH 6"" ROLL.

BAKE 375 FOR 15 MINUTES OR UNTIL GOLDEN - NOT BROWN

PLACE ON A RACK TO COOL.

BAKE in CONVECTION OVEN 375 13 minutes

FRESH FROM OVEN POUR/PASTRY BRUSH A DROP ALMOND EXTRACT OR ADD AN ALMOND IN THE CENTER

LET COOL up to 10 MINUTES

ENJOY

Story

Grandma Thedens (Pr. Ken Ahlstrand's mom) always sent these in care package to me while I was in college. These days I gift them to friends during the Christmas season.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardRooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment