Classic Scandinavian Christmas Cookies

In Scandinavia, Christmas baking is a beloved tradition. As the days grow shorter and the light fades early, kitchens fill with the scent of butter, cardamom and warm spices. Baking becomes a way to slow down, gather together, and mark the season in a meaningful way.

This collection brings together some of the most classic Scandinavian holiday cookies, from crisp, delicate favorites to richer, more indulgent treats. These are the cookies you'll often find on a Christmas cookie platter, served with coffee or tucked into tins to share with friends and family.

Whether you're continuing a tradition you grew up with or discovering Scandinavian Christmas baking for the first time, I hope these cookies bring a little extra warmth and joy to your holiday season. Light a candle, put on some festive music, and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking something special.

Krumkake (Traditional Norwegian Waffle Cookies)

A buttery and delicately beautiful cone-shaped cookie.

Get the Krumkake Recipe

Swedish Ginger Cookies (Pepparkakor)

A truly special Swedish Ginger Cookie with a crispy outer edge and a pleasantly chewy center.  The perfect accompaniment with coffee, tea or mulled wine (glögg).

Get the Pepparkakor Recipe

Mandelmusslor (Swedish Almond Tart Cookies)

Crisp, buttery, almond flavored tarts that are delicious plain or filled with something sweet.

Get the Mandelmusslor Recipe

Traditional Danish Butter Cookies (Vaniljekranse)

These Traditional Danish Butter Cookies (Vaniljekranse) are crisp, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Get the Danish Butter Cookie Recipe

No-Bake Swedish Chocolate Balls (Chokladbollar)

A deliciously simple no bake cookie featuring oats and chocolate. A true Swedish classic!

Get the Swedish Chocolate Balls Recipe

Hazelnut Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies (Hallongrottor)

Buttery hazelnut cookies filled with a jewel-like center of sweet raspberry jam, these Raspberry Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies (Swedish Hallongrottor) are both eye-catching and irresistible.

Get the Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

Swedish Chocolate Slice Cookies (Chokladsnittar)

Chokladsnittar (Swedish Chocolate Cookie Slices) are deliciously rich and chocolatey cookies that are shaped into logs, baked and sliced. These irresistibly simple cookies are buttery, crisp and perfect with an afternoon cup of coffee.

Get the Swedish Chocolate Slice Cookie Recipe

Swedish Checkerboard Cookies (Schackrutor)

Make classic Swedish Checkerboard Cookies (Shackrutor) - buttery vanilla and chocolate shortbread squares found in Stockholm bakeries. Easy, elegant, and perfect for fika or holiday cookie trays.

Get the Swedish Checkerboard Cookie Recipe

Lemon Wafer Cookies

The perfect lemon wafer cookie...buttery and tender with just the right amount of lemon flavor and covered in a light cream cheese glaze to finish things off just right.

Get the Lemon Wafer Cookie Recipe

Swedish Oatmeal Cookies (Havreflarn)

Swedish Oatmeal Cookies (Havreflarn) are light and crispy with a delicate crunch. They are the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon cup of tea or coffee!

Get the Havreflarn Recipe

Many of these cookies can be made ahead and keep well, making them perfect for holiday baking at a relaxed pace. I hope this collection helps you create a Christmas cookie platter you'll enjoy baking and sharing throughout the season.