Swedish Spice Cookies
Swedish spice cookies are fragrant, ginger-flavored treats with orange zest, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. Their crisp texture and warm spices delight every palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter; gradually add sugar, beat until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg.
- Combine flour, salt, spices, orange peel, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the cream mixture.
- Gather dough into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 2 to 3 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Use 1/4 of dough at a time; keep remaining refrigerated.
- Sprinkle pastry cloth and rolling pin with granulated sugar.
- Sprinkle top of dough with sugar. Roll to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut with floured cookie cutters.
- Place 1 inch apart on unbuttered cookie sheets.
- If making ornaments, make small holes near the top of cookies with a wooden pick.
- Use a silver dragee for eye if desired.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from cookie sheets and cool completely on wire racks.
- Decorate with icing if desired. Store in airtight containers at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dough. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but adjust the flour accordingly. For a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg.
Serving Suggestions
These Swedish Spice Cookies are delightful on their own or can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They also make fantastic holiday gifts when packaged in decorative tins. For a festive touch, serve them with a side of icing for dipping or decorate them with royal icing for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them later, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them briefly in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Spice Cookies contains roughly 1169 calories, with 25g protein, 232g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1990mg per serving (87% 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. Start with a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the best results. This can add a nutty flavor and increase the nutritional value of your cookies.
What is the best way to chill the dough?
If you're short on time, even 30 minutes can help firm up the dough.
How can I make these cookies more decorative?
To enhance the decorative aspect, use cookie cutters in festive shapes and sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking. After baking, you can also use icing to create intricate designs, or pipe melted chocolate over the cookies for a beautiful finish.
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).