(Secret) Swedish Sugar Cookies
I was assigned to make cookies for my parent’s Christmas party this year, and in addition to the usual chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin variety I often make, I decided to give these Secret Cookies a try. What makes them a secret?
Well, to be honest, I’m not sure. I found the recipe on Food52, and was attracted to the sugar crystals encrusted in the cookies. Apparently the recipe has been passed down a few decades, and may have originated from a Swedish woman. They’re similar to sugar cookies, and pretty easy to make. For the decorative sugar on top, I used sparking sugar by India Tree, though I’m sure any sort of colored sugar will do. The results were delicious.
Ingredients
3/4 pounds salted butter, softened
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Colored sugar
Directions
1. Cream together butter and sugar. Add yolks and vanilla. Mix well.
2. Add flour and combine thoroughly.
3. Optional: Divide dough into quarters, and chill for about two hours. It helps develop the flavor and makes it less sticky and easier to work with. I chilled my dough overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 350 F.
5. Scoop or break off rounded teaspoonfuls of dough. Roll dough into balls with your hands.
6. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, and then flatten the dough a little with the palm of your hand. Carefully add colored sugar on top. Flatten the dough again with the bottom of a patterned glass.
7. Bake for about 10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven, and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Makes about 60 3-inch cookies
Adapted from Food52’s Secret Cookies
Tasting Journal 
These cookies look wonderful, something that I can make with my little girl who will definitely enjoy doing the decorations.
Thanks, Malou! They’re pretty easy to make too. Should be fun for you and your daughter to do together!