Scandinavian Christmas Cookies, Sweets and Festive Breads

Today’s Post

What do people in Scandinavia enjoy eating at Christmastime? In this post I highlight nine beloved holiday baked goods — three each from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. You’ll find classic cookies, confections, and breads that appear on holiday tables across the region. Some recipes are linked below; where we don’t host the recipe ourselves, we point to trusted alternatives you can use. Whether you’re planning a festive baking day or just looking for new traditions to try, these Scandinavian treats are a great place to start.

1. Denmark

Cookie: Vaniljekranse

Vaniljekranse, or vanilla wreath cookies, are a Danish Christmas staple. These buttery, tender cookies are piped into small wreath shapes and baked until crisp at the edges but still melt-in-your-mouth. They carry a delicate vanilla flavor and are often among the first cookies to disappear from the holiday tin. Try the linked recipe for classic technique and tips.

Vaniljekranse (Vanilla Wreath Butter Cookies)

Crisp, buttery, and subtly vanilla-scented, these wreath cookies are a timeless Danish favorite for the holidays.

Check out this recipe

Confectionary: Snebolde

Snebolde, or snowballs, are charming marzipan confections commonly enjoyed at Danish holiday gatherings. The center is typically marzipan, coated in chocolate, then finished with a thin icing and powdered sugar to create a snowy appearance. They need no baking, making them a fun project for a relaxed afternoon and an attractive addition to any candy plate.

Snebolde (Chocolate Marzipan Snowballs)

Delightful marzipan centers encased in a chocolate shell and dusted with sugar — an easy, festive treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Check out this recipe

Bread: Kløbenboller

Kløbenboller are rustic Danish rolls with a distinctive pull-apart texture. Dough pieces are layered and assembled to create a bun studded with dried fruit, orange zest, and warming spices. The result is a festive, fruity bread that complements holiday breakfasts and coffee gatherings.

Kløbenboller (Cardamom Rolls with Marzipan & Dried Fruit)

Soft, cardamom-scented rolls filled with marzipan, almonds, raisins, and cranberries — perfect for a seasonal brunch or gift basket.

Check out this recipe

2. Sweden

Cookie: Hallongrottor

Hallongrottor, literally “raspberry caves,” are Swedish thumbprint cookies filled with jam. Their tender, crumbly texture comes from a simple dough often enriched with cornstarch. Versatile and easy to customize by changing the jam flavor, these cookies are a holiday favorite and widely loved at Christmas gatherings.

Hallongrottor (Swedish Thumbprint Cookies)

Soft, buttery cookies with a jam-filled center — a perfect balance of sweet and tart for holiday cookie plates.

Check out this recipe

Confectionary: Polkagriskola

Polkagriskola are Swedish peppermint caramels combining the cooling flavor of peppermint with rich caramel. Traditionally sweetened with ingredients like honey or sugar syrup and often finished with crushed candy canes, these chewy caramels are intensely flavored and ideal for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.

Bread: Lussekatter

Lussekatter, or Lucia buns, are saffron-flavored buns traditionally enjoyed for St. Lucy’s Day on December 13th and throughout December. Their vivid yellow color and mild saffron aroma make them unmistakable. Shaped into curled forms that resemble sleeping cats, lussekatter are soft, slightly sweet, and an essential part of Swedish holiday baking.

Lussekatter (Lucia Buns)

Soft, saffron-scented buns shaped into curls — a beloved Swedish tradition throughout December and especially on Luciadag.

Check out this recipe

3. Norway

Cookie: Fattigmann

Fattigmann (known in some regions as klejner) are fried cookies that are crisp and delicately flavored with cardamom or lemon. The name varies by country and dialect, but the result is the same: a light, crunchy cookie that pairs perfectly with coffee or mulled drinks during the holidays. The linked recipe shows the Danish-style klejner, which shares the same crispy, twisted character.

Sprøde Klejner (Fried Cookie Twists)

Crisp, twisted fried cookies flavored with cardamom and lemon zest — a crunchy holiday favorite across Scandinavia.

Check out this recipe

Confectionary: Risboller

Risboller are chocolate-covered puffed rice treats that are easy to make and popular with kids. Similar in concept to rice krispie treats but made with chocolate or coconut fat, these no-bake confections are versatile and convenient when you want a quick sweet to share during holiday festivities.

Bread: Julekake

Julekake, also called julebrød, is a soft Norwegian Christmas bread flavored with cardamom and studded with raisins and candied citrus peel (sukat). Its tender crumb and festive fruit make it a perfect choice for breakfast or as a sweet loaf alongside coffee and holiday spreads. The linked recipe produces two loaves, ideal for sharing.

Thanks for reading!

I hope this roundup inspires your holiday baking. From buttery Danish wreaths and marzipan snowballs to Swedish saffron buns and Norwegian julekake, these Scandinavian favorites bring seasonal flavors like cardamom, saffron, orange peel, and peppermint to the table. Which of these will you try this year? Share your favorite Scandinavian Christmas treat in the comments below!