Swedish Butter Cookies

Oh wow, you guys! I just baked some Swedish butter cookies. They smell so buttery and yummy in my kitchen.

These cookies are little bites of heaven. I love how crisp and rich they are. Making them feels like a cozy holiday treat every time.

Seriously, everyone who tries them asks for more. They melt in your mouth and make you feel all happy inside. I can’t stop sneaking a few myself!

You should totally try making them too. Grab some butter, sugar, and flour, and let’s bake together. Trust me, they are so worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: These cookies are a tried-and-true favorite that has everyone coming back for more. One reader even called them “the most addicting cookies ever!”
• Perfectly Buttery: The key to this recipe is butter. It’s the star ingredient, giving the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Quick and Easy: In less than an hour, you’ll have delicious, golden-brown cookies to share (or enjoy all to yourself).
• No Special Ingredients: The ingredients for these cookies are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. No need for any fancy items!
• Customizable: Whether you want to add a little zest, sprinkle sugar, or shape them differently, this recipe is easy to adjust to your tastes.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s make sure you have the right tools. These cookies are easy to make, but having the right tools makes everything go a lot smoother.

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of medium mixing bowls for combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (Optional): You can mix the dough by hand, but using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer can speed things up.
• Baking Sheet: A baking sheet is required to bake these cookies. You can line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
• Cookie Scoop (Optional): If you want uniform cookies, using a cookie scoop helps.
• Cooling Rack: After baking, a cooling rack allows the cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these buttery treats (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Butter: 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for the rich, buttery flavor.
• Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar will give the cookies the sweetness they need.
• Maple Syrup: 2 teaspoons of maple syrup adds a subtle depth of flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour will give the cookies their perfect texture.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon of baking soda helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for finishing the cookies and giving them a smooth, sweet top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). You’ll want your oven ready to go when your dough is prepared, so this step is crucial.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for creating the right texture in the cookies.

3. Add Maple Syrup

Now, add the maple syrup to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined. The syrup adds an incredible richness to the cookies and complements the butter so beautifully.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. This step ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any clumps from forming.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, a little at a time. Mix gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.

6. Shape the Dough

Once the dough is combined, it should be smooth and easy to handle. Use your hands to roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon in size. If you prefer, you can also use a cookie scoop for uniformity.

7. Flatten the Cookies

Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press down on each ball with a fork or your fingers to flatten them into discs. This helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them their traditional shape.

8. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn a golden brown. The centers will remain slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

9. Cool the Cookies

After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.

10. Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once your cookies have cooled, you can finish them off by dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds a nice visual touch and a little extra sweetness.

Variations for Swedish Butter Cookies

While the classic version of Swedish butter cookies is wonderful as-is, you can always switch things up a bit to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations to consider:

1. Add Zest:

Mix in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor. This will give the cookies a lovely fresh taste that balances the rich butter.

2. Sprinkle Sugar:

Before baking, you can sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top of the cookies for added crunch and sparkle. This is a traditional method that makes the cookies look beautiful and adds a little extra sweetness.

3. Shape the Cookies Differently:

Swedish butter cookies are often made in fun shapes. You can use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes like hearts, stars, or circles for different occasions. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if the cookies are larger or smaller than the standard size.

4. Add Vanilla or Almond Extract:

To enhance the flavor of the cookies, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough. This will give the cookies a deeper flavor profile.

5. Dip in Chocolate:

For a decadent twist, dip the cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate and let them set. This adds a rich, luxurious touch to your cookies.

Serving and Decoration

These Swedish Butter Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, serving them for dessert after a family dinner, or giving them as a homemade gift, they will definitely impress your guests. Here are a few ideas for how to serve and decorate them:

1. On Their Own:

These cookies are perfect on their own with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Their rich, buttery flavor and light texture make them the perfect accompaniment to your favorite warm beverage.

2. With Jam:

Serve the cookies with a side of raspberry or strawberry jam. You can either spread the jam on top or sandwich it between two cookies for a delightful treat.

3. Gift Packaging:

If you’re looking to share the love, these cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Place the cookies in a pretty tin or wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon. They’ll make a charming, thoughtful present for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Storing Swedish Butter Cookies

• In an Airtight Container: These cookies will stay fresh for about 1 week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to layer the cookies between sheets of wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on the baking sheet and bake as directed (add a minute or two to the baking time).
• Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies. Once they’ve completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information for one Swedish butter cookie (based on the ingredients and serving size):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	150
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	10mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	9g
Protein	1g

Conclusion

These Swedish Butter Cookies are a must-try. They’re easy to make, perfectly buttery, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or enjoying them on your own, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!