Every December, kitchens across Scandinavia glow with the warmth of ovens and the sweet scent of butter, sugar, and spices. Among the beloved holiday traditions are delicate, buttery cookies that seem almost too beautiful to eat—yet irresistible once you take a bite. Ruthie’s Scandinavian Christmas Cookies capture that charm perfectly. Crisp at the edges, tender in the center, and dusted with just enough sugar to sparkle like fresh snow, these cookies embody holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking them to share with loved ones or to savor with a cup of coffee by the fire, they bring a sense of tradition and festivity to every table.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make Ruthie’s Scandinavian Christmas Cookies step by step. From precise measurements to expert tips, from variations to storage advice, you’ll have everything you need to recreate this delightful holiday treat at home.
Ingredients
To make about 36 cookies, gather the following:
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for authentic Scandinavian flavor)
¼ cup (50 g) coarse sanding sugar or pearl sugar (for decoration)
These ingredients strike the perfect balance between richness and subtle spice, giving the cookies both a traditional taste and a touch of holiday sparkle.
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
Begin by placing the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream them together for about 3 minutes, until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, which ensures that the cookies bake up light and tender.
Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture looks smooth and uniform. The egg binds the dough, while the vanilla infuses the cookies with warmth and sweetness.
Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom if using. Cardamom is a classic Scandinavian spice that gives the cookies a subtle, aromatic lift.
Step 4: Combine the wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar base, stirring on low speed just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so stop as soon as everything is combined. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
Step 5: Chill the dough
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and makes the dough easier to handle.
Step 6: Roll and cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Use festive cookie cutters—stars, hearts, or snowflakes are especially traditional—to cut shapes. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Decorate
Sprinkle the tops with coarse sanding sugar or pearl sugar. This not only makes them visually stunning but also adds a delightful crunch.
Step 8: Bake
Bake each sheet for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep a close eye, as these cookies bake quickly and can overbrown.
Step 9: Cool and enjoy
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect crisp-tender balance.
Conservation and Storage
Ruthie’s Scandinavian Christmas Cookies keep well when stored correctly. Once cooled, place them in an airtight tin or container lined with parchment paper. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in airtight bags for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough, tightly wrapped, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Variations
The beauty of these cookies lies in their adaptability. Here are a few ways to change things up:
Almond Twist: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract along with the vanilla. Top with sliced almonds before baking.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for extra decadence.
Spiced Version: Increase the cardamom to 1 teaspoon, and add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a bolder flavor.
Glazed Finish: Skip the sugar topping and instead brush with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk once cooled.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with holiday traditions. Serve them alongside hot mulled wine (glögg), coffee, or tea for an afternoon treat. Stack them in decorative tins to give as edible gifts. For a festive dessert platter, arrange them with other Scandinavian favorites such as krumkake, spritz, or gingerbread. Their sparkle makes them a stunning addition to any holiday spread, whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve dinner or a cozy family gathering.
Conclusion
Ruthie’s Scandinavian Christmas Cookies bring together the essence of holiday baking: simple ingredients, timeless flavors, and a touch of festive magic. Their buttery texture and gentle sweetness make them versatile enough for gifting, serving at parties, or enjoying with a quiet cup of coffee. With a bit of cardamom, a sprinkle of sugar, and a lot of love, these cookies carry tradition from one generation to the next.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—you can keep them classic or dress them up with spices, nuts, or chocolate. However you choose to make them, Ruthie’s cookies will always deliver the warmth and joy of the season.
Print
- Total Time: 30 minutes active + chilling
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These buttery Scandinavian Christmas cookies sparkle with sugar, carry a subtle hint of cardamom, and deliver festive warmth in every bite. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with coffee, they’re a holiday tradition made simple.
Ingredients
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for authentic Scandinavian flavor)
¼ cup (50 g) coarse sanding sugar or pearl sugar (for decoration)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla; beat until smooth.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
Step 4: Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to ¼-inch thick and cut with cookie cutters.
Step 7: Place cookies on lined baking sheets, sprinkle with pearl sugar.
Step 8: Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are golden.
Step 9: Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Chill the dough to prevent spreading.
Watch closely during baking; these cookies brown quickly.
For stronger flavor, double the cardamom or add cinnamon.
Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Ruthie’s Scandinavian Christmas Cookies, Scandinavian holiday cookies, Christmas butter cookies, festive cookie recipe