Sandbakkels (Scandinavian Sugar Cookies or Tarts)

Rich and buttery with a pretty, molded shape, Sandbakkels (Scandinavian Sugar Cookies) are a special holiday cookie (or tart shell).

sandbakkels

This recipe for Sandbakkels is a classic Scandinavian dessert that you’ll usually see described as Norwegian Sugar Cookies.  

But I can tell you that this descriptor isn’t entirely accurate.   My Danish grandmother made these by the dozens every Christmas and I have seen Swedish references as well. So I am calling them Scandinavian.  Read more


Pepparkakor (Swedish Ginger Cookies)

Thin, crispy & flavored with cinnamon, ginger & cloves, these Pepparkakor (Swedish Ginger Cookies) are tasty & relatively low in calories.

Pepparkakor (Swedish Ginger Cookies)

Swedish Pepparkakor is a traditional Swedish ginger cookie that is especially popular around the holidays. They are available commercially as Anna’s Ginger Thins–though I think it’s even more fun to bake your own!  ‘Cause how can you beat an elegant crispy gingersnap when the snow is flying!

Now “Anna” makes her Swedish Ginger Thins in small flower shapes, which is cute and a perfect for any occasion.  But I figured that Christmas calls for fun shapes like acorns, donkeys and more.   Read more


Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Spicy, chewy and pretty, Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are a tasty and unique additional to any Christmas Cookie Plate!

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies have been crossing my path for years–but I had never made them.  Even though I was always impressed with the dark crackled interior peeking through the powdered sugar coating.  Yup, pretty and tasty!

So when this year’s #ChristmasCookiesWeek arrived, I knew I needed to make a Christmas version.  Chocolate mint was in the running, but I decided to go with Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.  I’m a serious molasses cookie lover with Easy Gluten Free Molasses Cookies and Holiday Embossed Gingerbread Cookies already under my belt.

I found a recipe on the internet, but after testing, it was too mild, too salty and the cookies spread flat and lacked the “button” shape I wanted.  But with a few alterations, the second batch was just right!  Even better, out of this week’s cookie binge, they were one of my husband’s favorites!

Yes, I think that means chocolate mint crinkle cookies are in the running for next year!  Read more


Christmas Cowboy Cookies (in a Jar opt.)

With holiday M&Ms, chocolate chips and oatmeal these Christmas Cowboy Cookies are a sure-fire hit. Bake straight or fill a jar for gifting!

Christmas Cowboy Cookies

Even a cookie can get its 15 minutes of fame.

Cowboy Cookies entered the spotlight in 2000, when Laura Bush’s version beat Tipper Gore’s ginger snaps in the legendary candidates’ wives cookie bake-off. 

I decided to add a “Cookie in a Jar” twist, inspired by the blog Bakerella, but tweaked just a bit.  But jar or no jar, this is a fun and flavorful cookie!

Of course, even though this particular cookie is dressed up with red and green holiday M&Ms, it is fun and tasty all year round.  Just go with multi-color M’s or match it to any holiday!  Read more


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