Soup or Sweet? Danish recipes for a snowy day

Snowed In, Danish Style

Warm Winter Comfort from Denmark

When winter settles in, Denmark leans into comfort. Warm kitchens, simple ingredients, and recipes passed quietly from one home to the next. These are the kinds of dishes meant to simmer while the snow falls and boots dry by the door.

ON THIS PAGE:

A classic Danish winter soup made with clear chicken broth, root vegetables, and tender meatballs. It’s the kind of meal you make when the snow is falling and everyone’s home.

A traditional Danish dessert made from stewed apples, often served warm with cream. Think applesauce’s softer, more comforting cousin.

Enjoy one, or both!

Hønsekødsuppe

Danish Chicken Meatball Soup

Hønsekødsuppe is a beloved Danish soup made for cold days. A clear chicken broth filled with tender meatballs and simple root vegetables, it’s light but deeply warming — nourishing without being heavy.

This is the soup that simmers quietly while the weather does its thing outside. Comforting, familiar, and meant to be enjoyed slowly.

You’ll need

• Chicken broth

• Ground chicken

• Onion

• Egg

• Flour or breadcrumbs

• Carrots, leeks, and celery

• Salt and pepper

The Danish way
Form small chicken meatballs and gently cook them in simmering broth with vegetables. Keep the flavors simple. Serve hot, preferably with good bread and nowhere else to be.

Æblegrød

Danish Warm Apple Compote

A classic Danish winter comfort, Æblegrød is made by gently simmering apples until soft, fragrant, and spoon-warm. Slightly sweet, lightly tart, and deeply nostalgic, it’s often enjoyed warm with a splash of cream or a spoonful of yogurt.

This is the kind of dessert that doesn’t rush. It fills the kitchen with the smell of apples and makes a snowy afternoon feel just right.

You’ll need

• Apples, peeled and chopped

• A little sugar

• Lemon juice

• Water

The Danish way
Simmer apples with a small amount of water, sugar, and lemon until soft and broken down. Serve warm, or let cool and enjoy later. Add cream if you like. Candles encouraged.

A Little Danish Winter Wisdom

In Denmark, winter isn’t something to rush through. It’s a season to slow down, cook simply, and enjoy small comforts — warm food, cozy homes, and footwear made to last.

Wherever this storm finds you, we hope it brings a moment of calm, comfort, and warmth.

🦆❄️