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
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg, room temperature
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for authentic Scandinavian flavor)
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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
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Chill the dough to prevent spreading.
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Watch closely during baking; these cookies brown quickly.
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For stronger flavor, double the cardamom or add cinnamon.
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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