Delight in the irresistible simplicity of Swedish Butter Cookies—a Scandinavian classic celebrated for its buttery richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with just a handful of pantry staples like softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a fragrant splash of vanilla, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweetness and subtle saltiness. The delicate dough is rolled into soft, walnut-sized balls, then gently pressed with a fork to create their signature criss-cross pattern. Baked to golden perfection in just 12 minutes, these buttery treats can be finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Whether enjoyed with coffee, tea, or as a standalone indulgence, these traditional cookies are great for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or any time the craving strikes. Perfectly simple and utterly satisfying, Swedish Butter Cookies are a must-try recipe for lovers of classic baked goods.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, blending until evenly incorporated.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
Divide the dough into small, walnut-sized portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into smooth balls between your palms.
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie for spreading during baking.
Use the tines of a fork to gently press each dough ball down and create a criss-cross pattern on the top. This flattens the cookies slightly and gives them a classic Swedish Butter Cookie look.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn golden. Do not overbake, as these cookies are delicate and should remain soft.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Once the cookies are fully cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Calories |
1554 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 162.3 g | 208% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.7 g | 514% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 437 mg | 146% | |
| Sodium | 28 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.1 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.1 g | ||
| Protein | 1.7 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 42 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 42 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.