Swedish cookies with jam, known as Hallongrottor, are the ultimate winter comfort treat. With their delicate, buttery base and jewel-like raspberry jam centers, they evoke nostalgia and warmth in every bite. Perfect for cozy afternoons, festive cookie exchanges, or gifting, these Scandinavian classics are as beautiful as they are delicious. Literally translating to “raspberry caves,” Hallongrottor hold a special place in Nordic baking culture.
These cookies have become a cherished part of winter traditions, much like gingerbread cake or rich Swedish thumbprint cookies. At SofyaRecipes, founded by culinary expert Sofya Petrova, we take classic recipes like Hallongrottor and elevate them with modern techniques and accessible ingredients to help home bakers achieve gourmet results—without the stress.
Whether you’re making them for a winter brunch, a cozy afternoon fika, or simply to indulge, Swedish cookies with jam are versatile, nostalgic, and beautiful in their simplicity.
Ingredients for Swedish Cookies with Jam
- 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 90g (3.2 oz) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 265g (9.3 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 70g (2.5 oz) raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Butter: Provides richness; swap with plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. For a slightly nutty twist, try browned butter—it deepens the flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar gives structure. Coconut sugar or maple sugar can be used for alternative sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth—vanilla bean paste offers a stronger aroma, perfect for holiday baking.
- Flour: All-purpose works best; gluten-free flour blends also yield good results.
- Jam: Traditional raspberry is classic. Try using homemade jam or seasonal preserves like lingonberry, apricot, or cherry.
For more cookie inspiration using pantry staples, explore our chewy chocolate chip cookie butter cookies.
Learn more about raspberry cultivation and jam-making in this external guide from BBC Good Food to deepen your knowledge.
Timing for Swedish Cookies with Jam
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
Compared to layered or frosted cookies that require decorating time, Swedish cookies with jam are delightfully simple yet elegant. They’re nearly 20% faster to make than frosted sugar cookies or filled sandwich cookies. You can easily make them in batches, making this recipe perfect for seasonal bake sales or cookie exchange parties.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Swedish Cookies with Jam
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This aerates the dough for tender cookies.
Pro Tip: Room temperature butter creams more easily and evenly.
Step 2: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This enhances the flavor without overpowering the jam.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Slowly mix into the butter-sugar base until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents spreading during baking and enhances flavor.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into 12 small balls. Space evenly on the baking sheet and press a thumb or spoon into each center.
Pro Tip: If the edges crack, gently smooth them back into place.
Step 7: Fill with Jam
Add 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation. Avoid overfilling.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden. The centers should remain pale.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let cookies rest 5 minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information for Swedish Cookies with Jam
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 118 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 0.3g |
Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on substitutions.
Healthier Alternatives to Swedish Cookies with Jam
Looking for a lighter version of Swedish cookies with jam? Try these smart swaps:
- Butter → Vegan butter or olive oil-based margarine
- Sugar → Stevia, monk fruit, or coconut sugar
- Flour → Gluten-free 1:1 baking blend
- Jam → Homemade chia raspberry jam for fiber-rich filling
If you’re exploring alternative cookie recipes, our Vegan Swedish Hallongrottor post dives deeper into gluten-free and low-sugar variations.
Want more nourishing cookie options? Browse our collection of oatmeal-based treats that are perfect for health-conscious bakers.
Serving Suggestions for Swedish Cookies with Jam
- Holiday Cookie Platter: Pair with classic shortbread or gingerbread madeleines for a Scandinavian-inspired spread.
- Afternoon Fika: Enjoy with coffee or glögg (Swedish mulled wine).
- Gift Tins: Place in decorative boxes with wax paper—ideal for neighbors or co-workers.
- Dessert Boards: Add to winter-themed dessert grazing boards alongside mini pancakes or chocolate-dipped fruits.
These cookies are also a charming companion to raspberry lava cake when planning a themed raspberry dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Swedish Cookies with Jam
- Skipping Chill Time
Your cookies will flatten! Always chill the dough to help maintain structure. - Overfilling with Jam
Too much jam causes bubbling and spills. Stick to 1/2 tsp. - Underbaking
The base should be lightly golden, not pale. Underbaking leads to mushy texture. - Overmixing Dough
This activates too much gluten. Mix just until combined. - Using Cold Butter
It won’t cream properly with sugar. Always soften butter first.
How to Store Swedish Cookies with Jam
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps well for 7–10 days in cooler environments.
- Freeze: Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead: Freeze unbaked dough balls and jam them fresh for best flavor.
For more tips on make-ahead treats, see our Cadbury Mini Egg Cookie Bars post that breaks down baking and storing timelines.
Conclusion
Few treats offer the charm, texture, and wintery nostalgia of Swedish cookies with jam. With their buttery shortbread base and sweet-tart jam filling, they’re everything we love in a cookie—simple, flavorful, and deeply comforting. At SofyaRecipes, we believe that even the humblest ingredients can shine with a little love and intention.
Ready to bake? Let us know how your cookies turned out! Comment below or tag us on Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more globally inspired baking joy.
FAQs About Swedish Cookies with Jam
Q1: Can I use other jams besides raspberry?
Yes! Apricot, strawberry, blackberry, or even lemon curd all work wonderfully.
Q2: How do I make them gluten-free?
Use a certified gluten-free all-purpose blend. This guide has helpful flour alternatives.
Q3: Can I prepare Swedish cookies with jam ahead of time?
Absolutely—store unbaked dough in the freezer for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Q4: Why are my cookies cracking?
Slight cracking is natural. To avoid excessive cracking, chill the dough well and roll smoothly.
Q5: Can kids help with this recipe?
Definitely! Kids love pressing the thumbprints and spooning in the jam. It’s a great recipe for beginner bakers.
