Swedish thumbprint cookies filled with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar

5-Star Swedish Thumbprint Cookies – Irresistibly Delicious

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Swedish Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is a winter baking tradition cherished in Scandinavian homes. Also known as Hallongrotta, meaning “raspberry cave,” this buttery cookie is the perfect balance of rich shortbread and sweet raspberry jam. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply enjoying a fika-inspired moment, this recipe is your go-to guide for classic Swedish flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Swedish Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

  • Authentic Scandinavian Flavor: This recipe captures the essence of traditional Swedish baking.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Perfect for baking with kids—little fingers love making the thumbprints.
  • Winter Baking Favorite: Their rich, buttery flavor and bright raspberry filling make them a seasonal classic.
  • Versatile & Adaptable: A beautiful base for experimenting with different fillings, flavors, and shapes.
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Why This Swedish Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Belongs in Your Kitchen

  • Authentically Swedish: This Swedish Thumbprint Cookies Recipe follows traditional methods used in Swedish holiday baking.

  • Perfect for Winter Baking: Their rich texture and sweet jam filling make them ideal for cold, cozy days.

  • Great for Holiday Gifting: Hallongrotta cookies are a beloved edible gift across Sweden.

🧾 Ingredients

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.

  • 200g (7 oz or 1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

  • 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • 240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 100g (1/3 cup) raspberry jam (or your preferred jam)

  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Tip: For the best results, use high-quality raspberry preserves or a jam with reduced sugar to balance the cookie’s richness.

⏲️ Baking Timeline

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Chill Time: 30 minutes (recommended for shape retention)

  • Bake Time: 12–15 minutes

  • Total Time: Approx. 1 hour

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale—about 2–3 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour and salt, then add to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes for easier handling.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart.

Using your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon, press an indentation into the center of each cookie.

Step 4: Add the Jam

Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam. Don’t overfill—they’ll bubble as they bake.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive finish.

🇸🇪 A Deeper Look at Swedish Tradition

The Swedish Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is rooted in fika culture—where coffee and conversation are paired with sweets. These cookies are especially popular during Christmas, appearing beside Cucidati – Traditional Italian Fig Cookies and German Cinnamon Stars on many Nordic cookie platters.

In Scandinavian baking, butter and almond are dominant ingredients, which explains why these cookies are sometimes adapted with almond flour or extract.

🍪 Creative Variations of Hallongrotta

  • Nutty Twist: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with almond flour for a deeper flavor.
  • Lemon Kiss: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the dough for brightness.
  • Chocolate Centers: Fill the indent with Nutella or melted chocolate instead of jam.
  • Linzer Style: Sandwich two cookies with jam and a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the dough for warm, Nordic spice.

  • Looking for more Nordic-style baking? Check out our Swedish Chocolate Mocha and Coconut Cake or Vanilla Dutch Baby Pancake.

Buttery Swedish thumbprint cookies with jam centers on baking paper

  • 🍽️ Serving & Storing Tips
  • These cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee during a quiet winter afternoon or as part of a holiday dessert table.

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

  • Freezing: Freeze cookies for up to 2 months. Let thaw and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

  • Gifting: Layer them in parchment paper in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon—homemade gifts made with love!

  • 💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Thumbprints

  • Use Room Temperature Butter: Cold butter will create a denser dough and may affect the cookie’s shape.

  • Avoid Overfilling Jam: Less is more—just enough to fill the thumbprint without spilling.

  • Chill the Dough: Especially in warm kitchens, chilling the dough helps keep the cookie shape intact.

  • Even Shaping: Use a small cookie scoop for consistent size and baking.

  • 📚 Fun Fact
  • The earliest printed reference to Hallongrotta dates back to Swedish cookbooks in the early 1900s. While raspberry is the most traditional, Swedes also love versions filled with lingonberry or blackcurrant jam—local fruits that pair beautifully with the rich shortbread.

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