Fattigmann, or "Poor Man’s Cookies," is a traditional Scandinavian fried cookie often made during holidays like Christmas. Despite the name, these pastries are rich and decadent, made with cream, egg yolks, and flavored with vanilla. The dough is rolled thin, cut into diamonds, slit, and twisted before frying to a crisp golden brown. Fattigmand is known for its intricate shapes and light texture, making it a festive and cherished treat in Norwegian and Danish homes.
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 5 tbsp heavy cream
- 3 eggs (separated)
- 2 egg yolks
- ⅛ tsp of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½-3 cups all-purpose flour (enough to make rollable dough)
- Lard or vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Beat 3 egg yolks and 2 additional egg yolks.
- Add sugar and cream, beat until well mixed.
- Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in flour until a rollable dough forms.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
- Roll dough out thin on a floured surface.
- Cut into diamond shapes.
- Make a small slit in the center of each and pull one end through the slit to form a twist.
Step 3: Fry
- Heat lard or oil to 375°F.
- Fry cookies in batches until golden brown, turning once.
- Drain on paper towels.
Tips
- Chill the dough slightly to make rolling easier.
- Use a pastry wheel for crisp, decorative edges.
- Add a pinch of cardamom for classic Norwegian flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar after frying for a festive touch.
- Substitute part of the cream with sour cream for extra richness.
- Roll dough very thin—fattigmand should be delicate and crisp.
- For lighter texture, fold egg whites into the dough rather than fully mixing.
- Use neutral high-heat oil if you prefer not to fry in lard.
- Cut a slit in the center of each diamond and pull one end through for the traditional twist.
Nutrition
Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 25mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 80IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg
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