I absolutely love filling the kitchen with holiday baking smells. These 19 Norwegian Christmas cookie recipes offer a delightful change from standard sugar cookies.
You need to try these Scandi-style treats this season.
1. Norweigan Serinakaker (Butter Cookies)
Nothing beats a classic light sugar cookie. These treats practically dissolve on your tongue.
The texture balances perfectly between tender and crumbly. It is like a delicious marriage of shortbread and sugar cookies.
You will love the crunchy nuts and sweet almond flavor on top.
2. Norwegian Konjakksnitter (Cognac Cookies)
These might resemble beignets or biscuits at first glance. They are actually rich butter cookies infused with Cognac.
The dough comes together simply with eggs, flour, sugar, and butter. A splash of alcohol makes them feel festive for the holidays.
Dust them with powdered sugar for a true Scandinavian delight.
3. Berlinerkranser (Berlin Wreath Norwegian Christmas Cookies)
The ingredient list might surprise you. You actually put hard boiled egg yolks into this dough.
This unusual addition creates an impossibly creamy and rich cookie. It is hard to stop after just one bite.
4. Bordstabler
This recipe feels like getting two cookies for the price of one. The base is a lovely rectangular butter cookie.
A macaroon style topping made of meringue and ground almonds sits on top. Make sure you grind those almonds as finely as possible.
You can also experiment with different shapes.
5. Norwegian Krumkake
This treat offers an ideal mix of texture and flavor. It resembles a cross between a waffle and a cookie.
The result is light and airy with delicate crisp edges. People typically serve them as cones filled with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Wait to add the cream until right before serving to prevent sogginess.
6. Brune Pinner
These brown sticks are a staple for Norwegian holidays. You will taste notes of vanilla and cardamom and cinnamon.
The flavor profile is similar to pepperkaker. Golden syrup adds plenty of sweetness.
Chopped almonds and pearl sugar create a beautiful crunchy topping.
7. Easy Christmas Chocolate Rice Puffs (Risboller)
You must try this no bake recipe featuring creamy coconut fat and chocolate and powdered sugar. Warm chocolate highlights the sweetness of the coconut.
Rice puffs add an irresistible crunch to every bite. I like to top them with sprinkles or chopped almonds or crushed candy canes.
8. Fattigman Cookies
This holiday treat is bursting with flavor and wonderfully flaky. The traditional recipe involves crispy fried dough dusted with cardamom and powdered sugar.
It makes for a delicate bite alongside hot cocoa. You can package them as gifts or serve them on a festive platter.
9. Scandinavian Rosette Cookies
These cookies are incredibly light and airy. They become wonderfully crisp and sweet after a quick spin in hot oil.
Think of them as the Scandinavian version of churros. They usually get a dusting of powdered sugar.
I sometimes toss them in cinnamon sugar for a different twist.
10. Norwegian Kringla Cookies
You will love these soft and buttery treats. They are not overly sweet.
The cookies are quite thick and shaped like pretzels. Traditional versions are not frosted.
I think adding frosting makes them even better.
11. Norweigan Pepperkaker (Gingerbread Cookies)
Different versions of this cookie exist all across Europe. They are less chewy and spiced than standard gingerbread cookies.
You still get plenty of warming ginger and cinnamon flavors. I actually prefer these because the flavor is more mellow.
Even little kids enjoy them.
12. Sarah Bernhardt Cookies
This unique meringue dessert is named after a famous French actress. It is simple yet flavorful.
The texture is crunchy yet soft. Almond extract flavors the meringue base.
The whole thing gets a delicious coating of dark chocolate.
13. Mandelflarn (Norweigan Almond Lace Cookies)
These fun lace cookies require a little extra attention. You have to make a caramel with the nuts.
That mixture can go from perfect to burned very quickly. Make sure you watch the pot closely if you want to bake these.
14. Norwegian Julemenn (Christmas Men Cookies)
These lightly spiced cookies are dense and delicious. Baking them fills the house with holiday cheer.
The recipe calls for a leavening agent called hartshorn or Baker’s Ammonia. It is otherwise a standard butter cookie dough.
That special ingredient really makes a huge difference.
15. Norwegian Havrekjeks
These cracker like cookies are certainly unique. They are loaded with nutty oats and taste both sweet and salty.
You can serve them with savory meats and cheese or sweet jam. They fit perfectly on a cookie platter or a charcuterie board.
You will need a tub of baker’s ammonia for this recipe too.
16. Norwegian Kransekakestenger (Almond Cookies)
This version features a much softer dough than similar recipes. It works beautifully in a cookie press for making cute shapes.
The ingredients include ground almonds and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. That citrus makes them a little zippy and extra tender.
17. Sandbakkels/ Sandkaker (Norwegian Sand Cookies)
These traditional Norwegian pastries are often served at Christmas. They are small cups with a delicate texture.
You can fill them with jam or cream cheese or almond paste. I like making a big batch to fill with festive options like spiced cream cheese.
18. Norwegian Walnut Cookies
This recipe is a truly indulgent treat. It blends sweet tastes with plenty of nutty flavors.
They remind me of Mexican wedding cookies using walnuts instead of almonds. The walnuts help cut down on the sweetness in the dough.
A dusting of powdered sugar finishes them off perfectly.
19. Norwegian Goro Cookies
You do not want to miss this classic Norwegian cookie. The dough uses a blend of sugar and butter and flour and cream.
You roll it thin and cut it into intricate shapes using special Goro irons. They bake until golden brown.
I enjoy them best with a cup of coffee or tea.