Laufabrauð

Laufabrauð (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈlœyːvaˌprœyːθ], "leaf-bread"; sometimes also called "snowflake-bread" in English)^[1] is a traditional kind of Icelandic bread that is almost exclusively eaten in the Christmas season.^[2] Originating from northern Iceland but now eaten throughout the country,^[2] it consists of round, very thin flat cakes with a diameter of about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches), decorated with leaf-like, geometric patterns and fried briefly in hot tallow or oil.^[3]

TypeFlatbread

Place of originIceland

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Laufabrauð

Before and after frying. A design based on the typical "V"-like flaps, although here the flaps do not overlap.
Type	Flatbread
Place of origin	Iceland

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Laufabrauð can be bought in bakeries or made at home, either with ready-made dough or from scratch;^[2] patterns are either cut by hand or created using a heavy brass roller, the laufabrauðsjárn ([ˈlœyːvaˌprœyðsˌjau(r)tn̥], "leaf-bread iron").^[3] The most common pattern consists of rows of "V"-like flaps; each flap overlaps with the next one to form a braid-like design. The rows can then form a larger pattern, such as a snowflake or a letter.

Leaf-bread making at home is usually a family undertaking and often an essential part of the Christmas preparations, where several generations gather and take part in the decorating.^[4]