Cookies From Sweden
Chewy Swedish-style cookies with candied cherries, citron, and coconut, flavored with orange rind and almond extract, perfect for festive occasions or cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
- 1 cup soft butter ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 3 1/4 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup chopped candied cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped citron
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon grated orange rind ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together thoroughly the butter, sugar, and eggs.
- Stir in sour cream.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then stir into the mixture.
- Add chopped candied cherries, citron, shredded coconut, grated orange rind, and almond extract; mix well.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough about 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt works well as a substitute. Incorporating a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile. Be sure to space the dough balls adequately on the baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside English Tea Scones for a charming afternoon tea experience. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet addition to a dessert platter. For a festive touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cookies From Sweden contains roughly 346 calories, with 6g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2615mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the formed cookie dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What can I use instead of candied cherries?
If you don't have candied cherries on hand, dried cranberries or chopped dates can be excellent alternatives. They will provide a similar sweetness and texture, while adding a unique flavor twist to the cookies.
What is the best way to tell when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when they are lightly browned around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).