Kringle

Kringle is a ring-shaped pastry with roots in Danish baking. In Denmark it is known as kringla or kringler and is made from a laminated yeast dough similar to Danish pastry. The dough is formed into a ring, an elongated oval, or a pretzel-like shape, and then baked until crisp. After baking it is commonly glazed or iced, and may be topped with sugar, almonds, candied fruit, or other decorations. Fillings such as almond paste, custard, cherry, raspberry, apple, or cinnamon are sometimes used.

Historically, kringle originated in Denmark and spread to neighboring regions and to North America with Danish emigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the United States, the term kringle is especially associated with Wisconsin, where several bakeries market large, oval varieties often labeled as Racine kringles. These pastries are frequently produced as specialty items for holidays and local markets, with a range of flavors and frostings.

In popular culture, the name Kris Kringle is a well-known alias for Santa Claus in English-language traditions. The term is linked to festive customs and has contributed to the association of kringle with Christmas-season baking in some places, though the pastry itself is not limited to holiday use.

See also: Danish pastries, kringla, Racine kringle.