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The Swedish kitchen and climate come into their own at Christmas time. As sub-zero temperatures turn outside into a winter wonderland, gently spiced baking and coffee entice weary revellers in from the cold for a slice of Swedish 'lagom', contentment. This is a country that fittingly knows how to bake, boasting an impressive selection of Swedish Christmas desserts.
Here's a selection of Swedish influenced baked treats you could be cooking up this year.
Did we get them all? Let us know if you have any favourites we missed.
Swedish Christmas Desserts
1. Lussebullar/Lussekatter - Swedish Saffron Buns
These saffron infused yellow sweet buns are a Swedish Christmas favourite and come into their own in the winter season. While they're traditionally made to celebrate Lucia day you’ll find them at adventskaffe (social gatherings to celebrate each Sunday of Advent).
2. Ris à lá malta - Rice Pudding
Typically it's made of chilled left-over rice pudding, whipped cream, sugar and vanilla, with or without almonds. The person finding a hidden almond in the dessert is expected to get married before next Christmas.
3. Fruktkaka - Fruit Cake
This crumbly fruitcake has a Swedish twist, making it much lighter than the dense, fruit-filled American kind. The addition of rum as well as the eggs in the recipe make it a fluffier, Christmas cake that is perfect for following your Christmas dinner. Find the recipe at Saveur.
4. Rulltarta - Roll Sponge
Image: tidningenhembakat.se_ROGER OLSSON
The original 'Swiss roll', this is probably the mother of all Christmas log cake centrepieces. A very traditional approach they are simple hearty very delicious. These sponge cakes that are spread with cream or jam fillings and rolled into spirals. Here's the recipe.
5. Mandelmusslor - Almond Tartlets
Image: Mydanishkitchen.com
Delicious tartlets consisting of an almond-pastry shell filled with whipped cream and garnished topped off with your favourite jam. Cute to look at again they are deceptively simple but offer a delicious bite-size treat that is the perfect match for a cup of tea on a cold winter evening. Find the recipe at mydanishkitchen.com.
6. Polkagriskola
Image: icookdifferent.com
For the sweet-toothed - try this peppermint candy-studded toffee, be careful though, it's so sugary that less is definitely more when it comes to this sweet treat. Hide it from the kids.
Try this recipe from Marcus Samuelsson.
7. Swedish Cinnamon Rolls
These popular pastries rolls were invented in Sweden and are currently enjoying a homebaking resurgence as people are upping their baking game across the world. While these make a perfect festive sweet treat, they're not just for Christmas - and you can enjoy perfecting them throughout the year..
8. Pepparkakor - Ginger Snaps
These are a super Christmassy treat that are perfect to have on hand when guests land on you over Christmas or when the kids are n the hunt for their sugar fix. Wafer thin, spicy, clove-scented gingerbread cookies allow you to live out your Mother Christmas fantasies and creative by making your own festive figures. Use them for decorating the Christmas tree.
