Name: Norwegian Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 0.75 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 3 cups flour; 1 teaspoon cardamom

Okay, picture this: Christmas morning, snow falling softly outside, and the smell of cardamom and butter wafting from inside. What do Norwegian Christmas cookies mean to you? They’re not your typical sugar cookie – think of them as a cross between sourdough and rye bread. All topped with a simple, sweet glaze. Is it just… pure cozy Christmas magic? If you love the ice-cream-like flavor of Lofthouse cookies, you’re absolutely going to adore these. Is it a different flavor profile but the same irresistible texture? What are some staples for the holiday season?

What are Norwegian Christmas cookies?

Norwegian Christmas Cookies, sometimes called Sandbakelse or simply “Christmas Cookies” in my Danish language. Family, are a traditional treat that’s been passed down through generations. Think of them as Scandinavia’s answer to the sugar cookie, but with a delicate, almost sandy texture. Why the name “Sandbakelse”? They’re lightly spiced with cardamom, which gives them this warm, comforting aroma that just screams comfort. “It’s essentially a butter cookie dough that’s baked until golden brown, and then pressed into tiny tins. It’d be great to have it on hand. Is powdered sugar a good glaze? Is it easier than it sounds?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me tell you, there are a million reasons why this recipe is a winner, but here are a few that really stand out:

Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is the best combination of butter, cardamom, and vanilla? Is this cookie overly sweet?
Easy peasy:What are some of the easiest recipes to follow? What are the best mixing and baking techniques? Even my kids help out!
Budget friendlyAll ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand, which means you can save a lot of time and money. Can you whip these up anytime without breaking the bank?
Versatile:Can you serve these cookies with coffee or tea? What is a festive dessert? What is my favorite thing to do on a cold winter night?

What I love about this recipe is how it connects me to my family history. My grandmother used to make these every Christmas, and now I’m carrying on the tradition with my own family. Is it a taste of Norway right here in my kitchen? If you like shortbread cookies or even something like a Russian tea cake, you will absolutely love them. What is the difference between a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and cardamom warmth? What makes Norwegians so unique?

How do I make Norwegian Christmas cookies?

Quick Overview

What are some easy Norwegian Christmas cookies? I’ll start by creaming together butter and sugar, then adding in the dry ingredients and a touch of salt. How do you roll out dough? What is your favorite shape, baking until golden, and glazing? What is the hardest part of eating a banana? And honestly, even that’s not so hard because the aroma that fills the house while they bake is a fragrance. What is the reward in itself?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s *really* soft – this makes a huge difference).
34 cup brown sugar (I sometimes use a mix of granulated sugar and white sugar for softer chew).
2 14 cups all-purpose flour (sifted! This prevents lumps and ensures a tender cookie)
1 teaspoon ground cardamom (freshly ground is always best, but pre-ground works too)
12 teaspoon baking powder (just a touch to give them lift)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (good quality vanilla is key here)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar (sifted, again, to avoid lumps!)
2-3 tablespoons milk (I prefer whole milk for a richer glaze, but any kind will do)
12 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a nice touch)

How do I follow the

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I prevent cookies from sticking to my hands? I’ve tried it without parchment paper, and trust me, it’s not worth the risk!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this with an electric mixer? The mixture should be very smooth and almost pale in color. Don’t rush this step – it’s crucial for creating a tender cookie.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, and baking powder. Set aside. How do you distribute spices in dough?

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix cookies. This will result in tough cookies that will be hard to chew. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.

Step 6: Cut Out Shapes

Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. I love using traditional Christmas shapes like stars, trees, and reindeer, but you can use any shape you like. What shapes do you like? What is the best way to make cookies? Gather the scraps of dough, reroll, and cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.

Step 7: Bake

Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Is it golden brown? Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. I always set a timer for 8 minutes and then check them every minute after that.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle them with the glaze. I like to use a spoon or a piping bag for this.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Let the glaze set completely before serving. Cookies are best eaten fresh, but can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Temperature for up to a week.

What should I serve it with?

Norwegian Christmas Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways.

For Breakfast: Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a sweet start to your day. They’re especially delicious alongside a bowl of fresh fruit.

For Brunch:Arrange them on a pretty platter with other holiday treats like scones, muffins, and quiches. For an elegant brunch spread, bring a cocktail or two. Serve with mimosas or sparkling cider.

As Dessert:After a hearty Christmas dinner, these cookies make the perfect light and satisfying dessert. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

For Cozy Snacks:What’s better than a mug of hot chocolate and cookies on the couch? What are some good packing bags for road trips?

In my family, we always serve these cookies with gløgg, a traditional Scandinavian mulled wine. The warm spices in the gløgg complement the cardamom in the cookies perfectly. It’s a match made in Christmas heaven!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Norwegian Christmas Cookies

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making these cookies absolutely perfect:

Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is *really* soft before you start creaming it with the sugar. I usually take it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before I start baking. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined, and then stop.

Rolling Technique: If the dough is too sticky to roll out, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling. This will make it easier to handle.

Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor. I’ve also tried adding a pinch of lemon zest to the dough, which gives it a nice citrusy note.

Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking, as they can burn easily. The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the centers should be set.

Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, use milk instead of water. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze to make it more festive. I sometimes add a little bit of almond extract to the glaze as well.

One time, I accidentally added too much cardamom to the dough, and the cookies ended up being way too spicy. Now I always measure the cardamom very carefully! Another time, I forgot to line the baking sheet with parchment paper, and the cookies stuck to the pan and were impossible to remove. Lesson learned!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Norwegian Christmas Cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the cookies from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the cookies for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend glazing the cookies shortly before serving, as the glaze can become sticky if stored for too long. If you do glaze the cookies ahead of time, store them in a single layer in an airtight container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in this recipe. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the dough together. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious. I have had great success with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There’s no zucchini in this recipe, so you definitely don’t need to peel any!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While this recipe is specifically designed for cookies, you could potentially adapt it to make mini muffins. You would need to adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly. I haven’t tried it myself, but it’s worth experimenting with! I would guess that you would want to bake them at 350 degrees for about 12-15 minutes.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough by a tablespoon or two. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar, but this will change the texture of the cookies slightly.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or sprinkle them with chopped nuts. Another option is to leave them plain – they’re delicious even without any topping!

Final Thoughts

These Norwegian Christmas Cookies are more than just a recipe – they’re a taste of tradition, a warm hug on a cold winter day, and a reminder of cherished memories. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create some new memories of your own. The simplicity, combined with the incredible flavor, makes them a perfect holiday treat. And honestly, the smell that fills your kitchen while they bake is worth the effort alone! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday cookie recipes, like my Gingerbread Cookies and my Peppermint Bark. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out – leave a comment below and let me know! And don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #MyNorwegianChristmasCookies. I love seeing your creations!