Kleinur (Icelandic Twisted Doughnuts)
In short: Twisted diamonds of cardamom-scented dough fried until golden, a classic Icelandic coffee-time treat that is soft inside with a light crust. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 10 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 10
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 385 kcal
Kleinur are a traditional Icelandic treat: twisted doughnuts cut from a rolled dough scented with cardamom and fried until golden. A cut in the middle of each diamond lets you pull one end through to make the classic twist. They are a staple of Icelandic home baking at Christmas, and they turn up all year with coffee. They are best the day they are made, still slightly crisp at the edges.
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom and salt in a large bowl. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Beat the eggs with the buttermilk and vanilla. Pour into the dry mixture and mix with a fork, then your hands, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overwork it.
- Cover and rest the dough for 20 minutes. Dust the counter with flour and roll the dough out to 1 cm (1/2 in) thick.
- Cut the dough into diamonds about 5 x 10 cm (2 x 4 in). Cut a 3 cm (1 in) slit lengthwise in the center of each, then pull one pointed end through the slit and stretch it gently to make a twist. Gather and reroll the scraps.
- Heat the oil in a deep, heavy pot to 170°C (340°F). Fry 4 or 5 kleinur at a time for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and cooked through.
- Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let the oil return to 170°C (340°F) between batches. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Keep the oil at 170°C (340°F). If it is too cool the kleinur turn greasy, and if it is too hot the outside burns before the center cooks.
- Kleinur are traditionally plain, but you can toss them in sugar and cinnamon while warm. Store leftovers in an airtight tin for up to 2 days.
Questions and answers
What do kleinur taste like?
Lightly sweet and cakey with warm cardamom notes, similar to a cake doughnut but less sugary.
Can I use a different spice?
Yes. Swap the cardamom for 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or the zest of a lemon. Cardamom is traditional, but flavors vary from family to family.
Can I bake kleinur instead of frying them?
Baking gives a dry, scone-like result rather than proper kleinur. If you must, brush the twists with melted butter and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes.
How long does it take to make Kleinur (Icelandic Twisted Doughnuts)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kleinur (Icelandic Twisted Doughnuts)?
About 385 kcal per serving, with 7 g of protein, 49 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 385 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 49 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 270 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
