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America's Melting Pot
Kringla hero image coming soon
1861-1900 - Norwegian-American immigrant communities in the Midwest.
Kringla is a lightly sweet, buttery Scandinavian cookie shaped like a pretzel, traditionally associated with church and holiday celebrations in the Midwest. Norwegian immigrants brought this recipe during the 19th century, where it became part of Christmas and Easter gatherings, symbolizing cultural continuity in immigrant farming communities.
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Difficulty
Medium
Prep time
1 hour
Cook time
10 minutes
Total time
1 hour 10 minutes
Servings
24 cookies
Region
Midwest
Era introduced
1861-1900
Introduced by
Norwegian-American immigrant communities in the Midwest.
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Arriving with Norwegian immigrant settlers in the Midwest between 1861 and 1900, kringla became a festive treat for church socials and holiday tables. Its distinctive twisted shape and tender texture carry Old World traditions adapted to new American environments. This cookie embodies the blending of Scandinavian heritage with pioneer community life during post-Civil War settlement periods.
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