Swedish Spice Cutouts are delightful and aromatic cookies that have a rich history and are beloved in Scandinavian cuisine. These cookies are known for their warm spices, tender texture, and decorative shapes. They are often enjoyed during the holiday season and special occasions, bringing comfort and nostalgia to those who indulge in their delicious flavors.
The tradition of making spice cookies in Sweden dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in the country’s culinary heritage. These cookies were originally made using a combination of warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, which were highly valued and imported from other parts of the world. The unique blend of spices added a distinct and comforting flavor profile to the cookies.
Swedish Spice Cutouts are often made in the shape of hearts, stars, or other festive designs, and they are sometimes decorated with slivered almonds or frosting. These decorative touches add a touch of elegance and make them visually appealing.
PREP: 25 MIN. + CHILLING
BAKE: 10 MIN./BATCH + COOLING
MAKES: ABOUT 10 DOZEN
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ cups butter, softened
- 1¾ cups packed dark brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ⅔ cup dark corn syrup
- ¼ cup molasses
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
- Slivered almonds (optional)
- Frosting of your choice (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, dark corn syrup, and molasses until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and ground cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or until it becomes easy to handle.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of ⅛ inch. Use floured cookie cutters in your desired shapes (such as hearts or stars) to cut out the cookies. Place the cutouts 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. If desired, top the cookies with slivered almonds for decoration, or leave them plain.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. If desired, frost the plain cookies with your choice of frosting for added sweetness and decoration.
Swedish Spice Cutouts are a beloved treat in Scandinavian culture and are enjoyed during the holiday season and special occasions. These aromatic and flavorful cookies offer a taste of tradition and bring warmth and comfort to those who enjoy them. Whether decorated or enjoyed plain, these cookies are a delightful addition to any cookie platter or festive gathering.
TIPS:
- Chilling the dough: The dough for Swedish Spice Cutouts needs to be chilled for at least 4 hours before rolling and cutting. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and roll out. It also helps the cookies retain their shape during baking. To save time, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it chill overnight, so it’s ready to be rolled out and baked the next day.
- Decorating options: Swedish Spice Cutouts can be decorated in various ways to add a festive touch. If you want to keep it simple, you can leave them plain and let the warm spices shine. However, if you want to make them more visually appealing, you can top the cookies with slivered almonds before baking. The almonds not only add a nice crunch but also create an elegant look. Additionally, you can frost the plain cookies with your choice of frosting, such as royal icing or cream cheese frosting. This allows you to get creative and add colorful designs or patterns to the cookies, making them visually appealing and even more enticing.
