Fattigman is a Norwegian Christmas cookie made with heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, butter, and with a hint of cardamom. Fattigman are light and addictive cookies which are deep fried a golden brown and sprinkled with powdered sugar. This recipe for Fattigman cookies makes lots and freezes amazingly. Traditionally made for Christmas, these cookies are great at any time of the year!
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tricky cookie recipe?
To tell you the truth, Fattigman is a tricky cookie recipe, it definitely does not fit in the easy cookie recipe category. Of course, it does get easier every time you make them, and now my 16 year old daughter makes Fattigman by herself in no time at all. The first time you ever make Fattigman do watch our video of how to fold them. The effort to make this Christmas cookie recipe is totally worth it! Once you master this cookie recipe, you will surely have Fattigman in your “best Christmas Cookies list” from then on!
history of fattigman
For many Norwegians, Christmas is not Christmas without Fattigman. Fattigman, also called Poor Man’s Cookies, or Angel’s Wings, is Scandinavian by descent. The name comes from the fact that even a poor farmer will have a few eggs, some cream from the cow, flour, and some rendered fat to fry it in. Many other countries also make similar light and crunchy deep fried cookies. In Sweden, a similar cookie is called Klenat. In Germany, they make Klejner. This cookie literally translates into “a poor and weak fellow.” Many times, the traditional Norwegian recipe for Fattigman would be a two day process. With making the dough one day, chilling overnight and frying the next day. No matter the name, one thing remains the same in all of these traditional recipes, and that is the addition of cardamom for flavoring!
Why You will love fattigman!
- Light and crunchy cookie!
- Makes a large batch!
- Make ahead and freeze!
- Such an elegant looking Christmas cookie!
- Not too sweet! So makes a great snack!
How we discovered fattigman!
We are not Norwegian, even though we often eat lefse and my aunt always made both lefse and krumkake for Christmas. This recipe was discovered by my son Stephen a few years back. He was looking through an old cookbook and wanted to try this recipe as his choice of Christmas cookie. (remember I let all of my children make requests for certain cookies at Christmas.) At first I was hesitant to try making this delicious fried cookie. But, with all of the children eager to help, I was adventurous enough to give it a go. I’m so thankful we took the challenge, and now Fattigman cookies have become one of our favorite Christmas cookies!
Ever since we first tried making Fattigman, we have made deep frying these Christmas cookies an annual tradition in our house. We don’t add the brandy or brandy flavoring that was in the original recipe, although I’m sure the flavor would be great. We usually double the recipe because it keeps so well in the freezer.
does this Christmas cookie recipe need to take 2 days?
Traditionally Fattigman would take 2 days to prepare and cook. The first day would be to make the cookie dough. Then you chill it overnight in the refrigerator. The 2nd day is for the rolling, cutting out and deep frying the cookies. We always cheat on the time! 😉 Just to let you in on a little secret…Once we get our minds on eating Fattigman and mess up the kitchen, who wants to wait until tomorrow to eat these deep fried cookies? So, what we do is chill the dough either out on the deck or in the refrigerator for only 4-6 hours. These Poor Man’s Cookies always turn out, even with our impatience!
Do I need to add brandy to Fattigman?
Actually, I always make these deep fried cookies without Brandy. This is just because I don’t have any in my house. The actual reason for Brandy or any other alcohol in these Poor Man’s Cookies is because of the reaction that alcohol has on fat. Any kind of alcohol will do, including the alcohol in vanilla extract. Apparently, adding alcohol to your deep fried treats will cause them to not absorb as much fat? What we find when deep frying anything, is that the temperature of the oil is the most important factor for how much oil your fried food will absorb. With temperature too low, fried food will absorb way too much oil. With the temperature too high, the food won’t cook properly, with the middle possibly remaining raw. So, if you like booze in your baking, go for it, otherwise, it really isn’t necessary for these delicious Christmas cookies.
make lots of fattigman and give as gifts!
Fattigman makes wonderful gifts for Christmas or any occasion. Package up some of these tasty cookies in a cookie tin with paper towel or a napkin around them. They will keep up to a month like this. This cookie recipe is also an impressive looking cookie on a Christmas cookie tray or for potlucks.
Ingredients
- Whipping cream, which will be whipped until stiff.
- Eggs
- Egg yolks, this extra fat makes the most rich, tender, melt in your mouth cookies.
- Granulated sugar
- Butter, softened, as usual I use salted. If you do use unsalted butter, be sure to add a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Cardamom, this seasoning is mild and has a very light fruity flavor.
- Flour, all purpose is definitely the best flour for this cookie recipe.
- Cooking oil for deep frying, or lard, whichever you prefer.
- Icing sugar for dusting the cookies.
how to make fattigman
1.Beat the whipping cream until stiff and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and yolks until frothy. Add the sugar and beat well.
3. Add the softened butter and mix well.
4. Place the cardamom and whipped cream into the beaten eggs and sugar and mix slowly until incorporated.
5. Add the flour and stir.
6. This will be a sticky dough. Let the batter sit in the refrigerator for a few hours up to overnight.
7. Sprinkle the counter with a little flour and roll the chilled dough out. It should be very thin.
8. Cut into strips 2 inches apart. I use a roller pastry cutter. You could use a proper Fattigman cutter instead.
9. Turn your cutting guide to the side and cut with a pastry wheel so that you cut diamond shapes that are 2×5 inches in size.
10. With a sharp knife cut a slit in the center of each diamond.
11. Gently pull one end of the diamond completely through the slit to make the knot shape. (this part is so fun!!)
12. Deep fry a few Fattigman at a time in 375°F fat, until golden brown, flipping half way through.
13. Drain on paper towel, then dust with powdered sugar.
Other Christmas recipes we love!
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Fattigman
Fattigman cookie recipe includes simple ingredients such as cream, butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. With cardamom to flavor and sprinkled with icing sugar, this light and airy deep fried treat is totally worth trying! Whether this Christmas cookie recipe is a new find, or a traditional beloved recipe, it is definitely on the best cookie recipe list!
Ingredients
Instructions
Beat the whipping cream until stiff and set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and yolks until frothy. Add the sugar and beat well.
Add the softened butter and mix well.
Place the cardamom and whipped cream into the beaten eggs and sugar and mix slowly until incorporated.
Add the flour and stir.
This will be a sticky dough. Let the batter sit in the refrigerator for a few hours up to overnight.
Sprinkle the counter with a little flour and roll the chilled dough out. It should be very thin.
Cut into strips 2 inches apart. I use a roller pastry cutter. You could use a proper Fattigman cutter instead.
Turn your cutting guide to the side and cut with a pastry wheel so that you cut diamond shapes that are 2x5 inches in size.
With a sharp knife cut a slit in the center of each diamond.
Gently pull one end of the diamond completely through the slit to make the knot shape. (this part is so fun!!)
Deep fry a few Fattigman at a time in 375°F fat, until golden brown, flipping half way through.
Drain on paper towel, then dust with powdered sugar.
Servings 60
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 63kcal
- Calories from Fat 29kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3g5%
- Sodium 9mg1%
- Potassium 10mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Thiamin 4 mg
- Riboflavin 4 mg
- Folate 4 mcg
- Selenium 5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- You can add some vanilla extract, about 1 tsp.
- If you use unsalted butter, be sure to add a pinch of salt.
- Split the dough into 2 sections for easier rolling.
- If your dough is sticking to the surface, sprinkle some more flour on the surface.
- You can make Fattigman with or without the brandy or brandy extract.
- Other options for Fattigman are sprinkling with granulated sugar or a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
- This cookie recipe keeps very well if stored in a dry, cool location.
