Luscious Swedish Christmas Delight Cookies
These delightful Swedish Christmas cookies are a beautifully spiced holiday treat that will fill your home with the warm and comforting aromas of cardamom, vanilla, and zesty lemon. Perfectly soft and buttery, these cookies are coated in sparkling colored sugars or crunchy toasted pecans, adding a festive touch to your holiday baking. This simple recipe yields a delectable batch that is ideal for sharing with friends and family during the joyous season. Get ready to indulge your senses and create lasting memories with these lovely cookies that celebrate tradition and flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (whisked)
ground cardamom
2 teaspoons (measured)
fine salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
unsalted butter
1 cup (2 sticks) (softened)
confectioners' sugar
1 cup (measured)
large egg
1 (room temperature)
pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (measured)
finely grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon (zested)
colored crystal sugar or chopped toasted pecans
for coating (optional)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and fine salt until evenly combined.
2
In a food processor, combine the unsalted butter and confectioners' sugar. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Add in the room temperature egg, pure vanilla extract, and finely grated lemon zest. Pulse until all ingredients are blended well.
4
Gradually add the flour mixture to the processor and blend until a soft, buttery dough forms.
5
Divide the dough into halves and place each half onto two sheets of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to shape each half into rough logs.
6
Refrigerate the shaped logs for approximately 30 minutes, or until they are just firm enough to shape into more uniform logs, measuring about 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.
7
Once firm, refrigerate the logs for an additional 2 hours or overnight for best results.
8
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
9
Scatter your choice of colored crystal sugar or chopped toasted pecans onto a clean work surface.
10
Roll each dough log in the sugar or nuts until completely coated.
11
Slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick cookies and place them about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
12
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges.
13
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
14
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay delicious for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Luscious Swedish Christmas Delight Cookies?
They are a beautifully spiced holiday treat that celebrates Swedish traditions with warm flavors of cardamom, vanilla, and lemon.
What gives these cookies their unique aroma?
The comforting aroma comes from a fragrant blend of ground cardamom, pure vanilla extract, and finely grated lemon zest.
What is the texture of Swedish Christmas Delight Cookies?
These cookies are perfectly soft and buttery, offering a delectable melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 9 main ingredients: all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, fine salt, unsalted butter, confectioners' sugar, a large egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and an optional coating.
Which spice is the star of this recipe?
Ground cardamom is the primary spice used to give these cookies their characteristic Swedish holiday flavor.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature.
Is a food processor necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions recommend using a food processor to cream the butter and sugar and to blend the dough until a soft consistency forms.
How should the flour be prepared before mixing?
You should whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cardamom, and fine salt until they are evenly combined before adding them to the wet ingredients.
What role does lemon zest play in the cookies?
The finely grated lemon zest adds a zesty brightness that balances the rich, buttery, and spiced notes of the cookie.
What temperature should the egg be when starting?
The recipe requires one large egg at room temperature to ensure it blends properly into the creamed butter mixture.
How long must the dough be refrigerated before baking?
The dough needs to be chilled for 30 minutes to shape the logs, followed by an additional 2 hours or overnight for the best results.
Can the cookie dough be prepared a day in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough logs overnight, which is actually recommended for the best flavor and texture.
What size should the dough logs be shaped into?
Each dough log should measure approximately 8 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.
What can I use to coat the outside of the cookies?
You can use your choice of colored crystal sugar for a festive holiday look or chopped toasted pecans for a crunchy texture.
How thick should I slice the cookie dough?
Once the logs are firm, slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds before placing them on the baking sheet.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The cookies should be baked in an oven preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
How much space should I leave between the cookies on the pan?
Place the cookie slices about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking and slight spreading.
Is it necessary to line the baking sheet?
Yes, the recipe suggests using a parchment-lined baking sheet for the best results and to prevent sticking.
What is the total baking time for these cookies?
The cookies should bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when they appear golden around the edges.
What is the cooling process for these cookies?
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How should I store the finished cookies?
Store the completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long do the cookies remain fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay delicious for up to 2 weeks.
What type of sugar is used in the cookie dough?
The recipe uses 1 cup of confectioners' sugar in the dough to achieve a smooth, soft texture.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract for a deep, warm flavor.
Are these cookies good for holiday gift-giving?
Absolutely! Their festive appearance and long shelf life make them ideal for sharing with friends and family during Christmas.
Is this a difficult recipe for beginners?
No, it is described as a simple recipe that is easy to follow, making it great for festive baking with the family.
What type of salt should I use for the best flavor?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt to balance the sweetness of the dough.
Can I use both sugar and pecans for the cookie coating?
While the recipe suggests a choice between the two, you could certainly coat some in sugar and some in pecans for a varied cookie platter.
Why is it important to whisk the dry ingredients first?
Whisking the flour, cardamom, and salt together first ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.