Kærnemælkshorn (Buttermilk Horns) Recipe

Learn how to make authentic homemade Kærnemælkshorn with this foolproof Danish pastry recipe. The secret to these best-ever buttermilk horns lies in the lamination technique that creates dozens of flaky, buttery layers. Easy to follow steps make this traditional Nordic baking recipe accessible for weekend bakers.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

40 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Serves:

12 horns

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml buttermilk (kærnemælk)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g instant dry yeast</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp sliced almonds (optional, for topping)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry cutter or sharp knife</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheets</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to work them into the flour mixture until you have pea-sized butter pieces. It's important not to fully incorporate the butter – these chunks will create the flaky layers in your pastry.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will look shaggy and uneven – this is exactly what you want! The acidity in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the gluten, resulting in a more delicate pastry.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently press into a rough rectangle. Don't knead the dough as you would with bread; minimal handling keeps the butter cold and ensures flaky layers. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and firm up the butter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 40x20cm (16x8 inches). Fold the dough into thirds like a business letter: fold one-third toward the center, then fold the opposite third over it. This is your first "turn" in the lamination process.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Rotate the dough 90 degrees, roll it out again to the same size rectangle, and repeat the folding process for your second turn. Wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial – it allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up again, preventing it from melting into the dough.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, for a total of four turns. Each turn multiplies the number of butter layers exponentially, creating the characteristic flakiness of Danish pastries. After the final turn, wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle about 40x30cm (16x12 inches) and approximately 3-4mm thick.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cut the dough into triangles: first cut the rectangle in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 6 triangles. For the classic horn shape, make the triangles about 10cm wide at the base and 15cm in height. Make a small slit in the middle of the base of each triangle – this helps achieve the curved crescent shape.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Roll each triangle starting from the base toward the tip, gently stretching the dough as you roll. Place the horns on the prepared baking sheets with the tip tucked underneath to prevent unraveling during baking. Curve the ends inward to form a crescent shape.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Brush each horn generously with the beaten egg wash, which will give them a beautiful golden shine. If using, sprinkle with sliced almonds. Allow the horns to rest and rise slightly for about 15-20 minutes before baking – this final proof gives them more volume and lightness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until deeply golden brown. The high temperature causes the water in the butter to evaporate quickly, creating steam that separates the dough into distinct layers. Watch carefully in the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. These pastries are best enjoyed when still warm, when the contrast between the crisp exterior and soft interior is most pronounced. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refresh briefly in a warm oven before serving.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Kærnemælkshorn (Buttermilk Horns)?

Traditional Kærnemælkshorn require all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, buttermilk, sugar, dry yeast, and salt. The pastries are brushed with egg wash before baking and can be topped with sliced almonds for extra texture and flavour.

How to cook Kærnemælkshorn (Buttermilk Horns) at home?

Learn how to cook Kærnemælkshorn (Buttermilk Horns) by creating a laminated dough through multiple folding techniques that create flaky layers. The process involves integrating cold butter chunks into flour, folding the dough several times with chilling between folds, cutting into triangles, shaping into crescents, and baking at 200°C until deeply golden brown.

Why is the lamination process so important for Danish pastries?

Lamination creates the signature flaky texture in Danish pastries by forming alternating layers of dough and butter. When baked, the butter melts and creates steam, forcing the dough layers to separate and creating that distinctive honeycomb interior structure with a crisp, golden exterior.

Can I make these flaky pastries in advance and freeze them?

Yes, these laminated pastries freeze beautifully. You can freeze them either before or after baking. For unbaked pastries, freeze shaped horns on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. For baked ones, cool completely before freezing and refresh in a warm oven before serving.

What makes buttermilk essential to this Nordic pastry recipe?

Buttermilk is crucial as it provides the distinct tangy flavour that defines authentic Kærnemælkshorn. Additionally, the acidity in buttermilk tenderises the dough by breaking down gluten proteins, resulting in a more delicate crumb while maintaining the flaky structure.

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