Swedish Butter Cookies (Traditional Recipe)

Ah, the buttery crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Swedish butter cookies.

It’s no wonder why these delightful morsels have been a beloved treat for centuries.

There’s something special about this timeless cookie that activates all sorts of nostalgic, comfort food feelings. 

From gathering the ingredients to shaping and baking them, the whole process is simply magical.

Plus, it’s an easy task that requires minimal effort but yields divine results.

In other words, if you want to add a new buttery dessert to your repertoire, you can’t go wrong with these Swedish butter cookies. 

Easy Swedish Butter Cookies Recipe

If you aren’t familiar with Swedish butter cookies, you’re in for a real treat.

You’re about to experience a little taste of heaven. And you can whip them up with as few as six ingredients. 

The very act of eating these cookies is enjoyable.

I don’t know about you, but to me, these guys are the whole package. 

Ingredients 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Butter. The buttery flavor of these cookies is what makes them so good. I use salted butter for that little extra oomph of flavor. Be sure to let it soften to room temperature before adding it.
• Sugar. Cookies just wouldn’t be cookies without the sweetness that sugar provides. Together with the butter, sugar is what makes these cookies great.
• Maple syrup. Although the syrup adds some rich flavor notes, it’s more for the texture. Adding syrup helps hold the cookies together and enhances their natural texture.
• Flour. All-purpose flour works well for this recipe. It adds structure and heft to the cookies. 
• Baking soda. Baking soda ensures the cookies are light and fluffy – almost delicate. The baking soda, flour, and maple syrup create an unforgettable texture.
• Confectioner’s sugar. You dust the cookies in confectioner’s sugar for that bit of extra decadence. It makes them look nicer, too. 

How to Make Butter Cookies

These cookies are unbelievably simple to make. You’ll barely even break a sweat whipping them up! Here’s what you’ll do: 

1. Preheat the oven. You want to give it plenty of time to warm up before you stick the cookies in it. Doing so will ensure they bake evenly. 

2. Use two bowls to mix the ingredients. In one bowl, you’ll combine the butter and sugar. Mix the flour and baking soda in a separate bowl. Then, combine the two mixtures and stir well.

3. Shape the logs. Create eight cookie logs with the dough. You’ll start by separating them into eight distinct balls of dough. Then, shape those balls into logs. 

4. Bake. Add the logs to an ungreased baking sheet and bake them for 25 minutes. The logs will flatten out and turn light brown when they’re ready.

5. Slice, sugar, and serve. Slice the logs into cookies. Allow those cookies to cool before dusting them with confectioner’s sugar. Then, they’re ready for you to enjoy! 

How to Store 

Storing these cookies is as easy as making them.

You can simply place them in air-tight containers or Ziploc bags and leave them on the counter. 

They should last for up to a week, possibly longer.

Freezing is another option. Place them in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.

Write the date on the container and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips for the Best Cookies

Here are a few final tips for these cookies: 

• Make the dough ahead of time. You can also wrap the unbaked dough in aluminum foil and freeze it. It, too, will last about 3 months. 
  • Use plastic wrap if you’re only putting it in the fridge. But keep in mind: it’ll only last 3-4 days. After that, you’ll have to bake it.

• Serve them with hot tea, coffee, or cocoa. These cookies taste best when paired with something warm. You’ll also enjoy dipping them into the hot beverage. 

• Add a little extra flavor or toppings. If you like, you can mix in some vanilla or almond extract to the recipe. 
  • You may also enjoy topping them with nuts or maraschino cherries. 

• Use corn syrup instead of maple syrup. Don’t have any maple syrup on hand? No problem! Use corn syrup instead. It won’t change the flavor much, and the texture will remain the same.

More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread
Ginger Cookies
Cinnamon Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Swedish Butter Cookies (Traditional Recipe)

Servings

72

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

47

kcal

These Swedish butter cookies are so delicious and authentic! Made with butter, sugar, maple syrup, flour, baking soda, and confectioner’s sugar, they’re a simple and classic treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup 1 butter, softened

• 1 cup 1 sugar

• 2 teaspoons 2 maple syrup

• 2 cups 2 all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon 1 baking soda

• confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Mix them gently until the mixture is light and fluffy. It should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the syrup.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Once it’s well mixed, add that mixture to the creamed mixture. Mix well.
• Separate the prepared dough into eight equal-sized portions. Roll each one into a log approximately 9 inches long.
• Transfer the logs to ungreased baking sheets. Ensure there are at least 3 inches of space between them.
• Bake for 25 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The logs should be light brown when ready.
• Cut the baked logs into 1-inch slices. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool. Dust them with confectioner’s sugar. Serve, and enjoy!

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