Swedish Butter Ball Cookies
Delightful Swedish Butter Ball Cookies melt in your mouth with buttery richness and a sweet powdered sugar coating, perfect for holidays or special occasions and enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla or rum flavor or almond.
- Mix flour and salt and add to the creamed mixture.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Cool and recoat with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of almond and vanilla extract, or substitute with hazelnuts for the chopped nuts. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, and don't overmix once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
Serving Suggestions
These Swedish Butter Ball Cookies are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Cranberry Clafouti during the holidays. They make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and recoat in powdered sugar for freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Butter Ball Cookies contains roughly 159 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
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 use margarine instead of butter?
While you can substitute margarine for butter, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Butter provides a richer taste and a tender crumb that margarine might not replicate. If you prefer a dairy-free option, look for a high-quality plant-based butter.
What type of nuts work best for this recipe?
Walnuts and pecans are popular choices for Swedish Butter Ball Cookies due to their complementary flavors. However, you can also use almonds or hazelnuts based on your preference. Just make sure to chop the nuts finely for even distribution throughout the dough.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape the balls, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the shaped dough balls, and bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
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).