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–+ servings
Norwegian Yule Cookies
These Norwegian Yule Cookies blend warm spices, dried fruit, and nuts to create a festive and fragrant treat traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. Common in Scandinavian households, they feature brown sugar and cinnamon for depth, chopped dates and candied cherries for sweetness, and walnuts for crunch. Finished with a light glaze or left plain, these cookies evoke the flavors of a northern European holiday table and are perfect for gifting or serving alongside coffee or gløgg.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Scandinavian
Servings 36 cookies
Calories 223 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 cups oleo ( or butter, softened)
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup nut meat
  • 1 cup dates (chopped )
  • ½ cup candied red cherries (halved or chopped)
  • 1 tbsp candied green cherries (chopped)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Sugars and Butter

  • Cream the brown and white sugar with the oleo or butter until smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs

  • Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Step 4: Fold in Mix-ins

  • Stir in rolled oats, chopped dates, red and green candied cherries.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

  • Drop by spoonfuls onto greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.
  • Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Tips

  • Chill dough for firmer slicing if forming into rolls.
  • Replace dates with raisins or chopped dried apricots for a softer texture.
  • Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or cloves for a more traditional Scandinavian spice flavor.
  • Toast nuts before adding for deeper aroma.
  • Use butter instead of oleo for richer taste.
  • For a festive look, press extra chopped cherries onto the tops before baking.
  • Bake a small test cookie to adjust time based on your oven’s heat.
  • Form dough into logs and freeze for slice-and-bake holiday prep.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract (not written but compatible) if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 385mgPotassium: 66mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 338IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Keyword candied fruit cookies, festive treats, heirloom baking, holiday cookies, Scandinavian Christmas, vintage recipe
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