Hallongrottor: Swedish Thumbprint Cookies

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Delight in the blissful combination of crumbly cookies and sweet, tart jam with these traditional Swedish Hallongrottor, commonly known as thumbprint cookies. These delightful treats expertly balance sweetness and tanginess, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering.

What are Hallongrottor?

Hallongrottor, which translates to “raspberry caves” in English, are popular Swedish cookies made with a rich dough that is formed into rounds, similar to thumbprint cookies, before being baked with a dollop of jam nestled in the center. These cookies are often filled with raspberry jam, although variations using other flavors like lingonberry or apricot are common. The delightful contrast between the flaky exterior and the sweet filling is what makes these cookies a favorite in Sweden and beyond.

Ingredients for Hallongrottor

Gathering the right ingredients is key to recreating this Scandinavian classic. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)

Instructions to Make Hallongrottor

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Egg Yolk: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
Fill with Jam: Spoon about half a teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation, ensuring not to overfill.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy the cookies warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfecting Your Hallongrottor

Choose the Right Jam

While raspberry jam is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types such as apricot or strawberry. The key is to find a jam that balances sweetness and tartness well.

Ensure Proper Mixing

The method of combining ingredients significantly impacts the texture. Beat the butter and sugar just until fluffy; over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies.

Storage Instructions

Store your Hallongrottor in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—simply layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.