Swedish Lemon Rings
Delightful Swedish Lemon Rings feature crisp, buttery dough infused with lemon flavor and coated with toasted almonds, offering a perfect sweet treat for coffee or tea gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sift flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
- Add lemon juice or brandy to the dry ingredients.
- Cut in butter using a pastry blender; mix with a spoon until smooth dough forms.
- Flour hands and pinch off small pieces of dough.
- Roll each piece into pencil-thick strips about 3 inches long.
- Twist two strips together and shape into a ring.
- Mix chopped almonds and remaining sugar on waxed paper.
- Press the rings into the almond mixture, almond side up.
- Place on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 8 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Do not brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, replace chopped almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the dough. Ensure your butter or margarine is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the mixture. For even baking, rotate the cookie sheet halfway through the baking time. These cookies can also be drizzled with icing for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These Swedish Lemon Rings make a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can be served as a sweet snack or dessert. For an interesting twist, try pairing them with Herbed Cream Cheese for a savory contrast. They also complement well with fresh fruit or yogurt, making them versatile enough for brunch gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Swedish Lemon Rings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their crispness, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they are just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Lemon Rings contains roughly 1021 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1781mg per serving (77% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, simply take it out, shape the rings, and follow the baking instructions. This is a great way to save time on busy days or for special occasions.
What can I substitute for the butter?
You can substitute butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegan margarine if you're looking for a dairy-free option. Both alternatives will yield a similar texture, but be aware that coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor to the cookies.
How can I make these cookies more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough. You might also experiment with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm undertone. For a citrus twist, adding orange zest can complement the lemon beautifully.
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).