These Swedish Kolasnittar (Caramel Slice Cookies) have quietly become our new favorite afternoon treat to pair with coffee. These cookies may be simple but their buttery caramel flavor and chewy texture has us coming back to them again and again.
Kolasnittar are one of the simple, everyday cookies that are deeply rooted in traditional Swedish home baking. The Swedish name comes from the word kola meaning caramel and snittar meaning slices which refers to the fact that they are baked in a log shape and cut into slices after baking while they are still warm.
Looking for more simple Scandinavian cookie recipes? Try my Swedish Chocolate Slice Cookies or these Danish Butter Cookies next.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- ♥️ A bit of golden syrup (light corn syrup also works) gives these cookies a chewy texture and subtle caramel flavor
- ♥️ They come together quickly and easily with no tricky shaping
- ♥️ Kolasnittar freeze well so you can always have some on hand when you want a homemade fika treat to go with your coffee
Ingredients
- Light brown sugar brings sweetness, moisture and subtle caramel notes.
- Golden syrup (I like the Lyle's brand) helps create that chewy texture and reinforces the caramel flavor.
- While it is optional, pearl sugar is traditionally sprinkled over the top before baking.
See recipe card for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
Substitutions and Variations
- Corn syrup in place of the golden syrup - If you can't find Lyle's Golden Syrup, light corn syrup will also work well in this recipe.
- Turbinado sugar, sanding sugar or even sliced almonds can stand in for the pearl sugar.
How to Make Kolasnittar
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Place the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the golden syrup and vanilla until fully incorporated. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low until the dough begins to clump and resemble wet sand (it will hold together when you squeeze it with your hand). Gently knead the dough with your hands to bring it together.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Shape each portion into a rough log shape and place on a piece of parchment paper (though dough may be a bit crumbly at this point which is fine).
- Cover the logs with plastic wrap or another piece of parchment. Using a rolling pin, roll each log into an oval about 12 inches long and ¼ inch thick.
- Sprinkle evenly with pearl sugar, cover with plastic wrap again and gently roll the pin over once or twice more to slightly imbed the pearl sugar into the dough.
- Remove plastic wrap and transfer the parchment with the ovals on it to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden and set but still soft in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes
- Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut the logs diagonally into 1-inch slices. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool.
Expert Tips
Be careful not to over bake these cookies. They will be light golden brown but still quite soft in the center. This will help them retain their chewy texture once you slice them.
Recipe FAQs
These cookies will keep well tightly sealed in a container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Freeze for longer storage (see below).
Absolutely! These cookies freeze really well. Once they have completely cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and seal tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, take out as many as you would like and let them defrost slightly at room temperature or heat them in the microwave briefly.
More Scandinavian Cookie Recipes to Try
Looking for more delicious cookies to pair with your afternoon coffee? Give these a try:
If you tried this Swedish Kolasnittar (Caramel Slice Cookies) recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Swedish Kolasnittar (Caramel Slice Cookies)
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup such as Lyle's
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons pearl sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Place the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the golden syrup and vanilla until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low until the dough begins to clump and resemble wet sand (it will hold together when you squeeze it with your hand). Gently knead the dough with your hands to bring it together.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Shape each portion into a rough log shape and place on a piece of parchment paper (though dough may be a bit crumbly at this point which is fine). Cover the logs with plastic wrap or another piece of parchment. Using a rolling pin, roll each log into an oval about 12 inches long and ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle evenly with pearl sugar, cover with plastic wrap again and gently roll the pin over once or twice more to slightly imbed the pearl sugar into the dough.
- Remove plastic wrap and transfer the parchment with the ovals on it to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden and set but still soft in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut the logs diagonally into 1-inch slices. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool.
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