Transport your tastebuds without ever leaving home. These classic Swedish (and Swedish-inspired) recipes incorporate authentic ingredients and flavors.
22 Classic Swedish Recipes You’ll Love
Updated on Aug. 19, 2024
1/21
Gingersnap Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic New England cookie, gingersnaps are now universal. My grandma kept two cookie jars in her pantry. One always had these crisp and chewy gingersnaps in it. They’re still my favorite cookie. My daughter, Becky, won a blue ribbon for this recipe at a 4-H fair. —Deb Handy, Pomona, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 92 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
2/21
Swedish Creme
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick and creamy dessert is my interpretation of my mother’s recipe for Swedish krem. It has just a hint of almond flavor and looks spectacular with bright red berries on top. Serve it in glasses to match the occasion. —Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 440 calories, 32g fat (21g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
3/21
Swedish Apple Pie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent Swedish apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 174 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
4/21
Mom's Potato Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These old-fashioned pancakes are fluffy inside and crispy outside. Onion adds nice flavor. Mom got this recipe from Grandma, so we've enjoyed it for years. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 171 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
5/21
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 136 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
6/21
Swedish Rye Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 loaves (8 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from my mother, and it's long been a family favorite. You can make a meal of it with soup and a salad.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 109 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
7/21
Linzer Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This specialty cookie takes a little extra effort, but the results are sweet! They really help to make the holidays feel special. —Jane Pearcy, Verona, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 161 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/21
Cheese & Herb Potato Fans
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's downright fun to make and serve this potato recipe. The fresh herbs, butter and cheeses are just what a good potato needs. —Susan Curry, West Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato: 318 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
9/21
Swedish Rice Ring
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe, which originated in Sweden, is famous at church suppers with our Minnesota neighbors. It's a delicious addition at family gatherings and parties, too. I usually make a double batch because it's so good! —Lori Jeane Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 170 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
10/21
Swedish Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 meatballs with 1-3/4 cups noodles and about 1/3 cup gravy: 834 calories, 33g fat (14g saturated fat), 248mg cholesterol, 1711mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
11/21
Swedish Doughnuts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One day, my father got a hankering for doughnuts and asked me to make him some. I ended up trying these. Dad—and everyone else—loved the results. They come out so golden and plump. —Lisa Bates, Dunham, Quebec
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 125 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
12/21
Cranberry Glogg
Total Time
30 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Winter’s a perfect time to cozy up with a hot drink—and this glogg is our family favorite. It’s heady with spices and full of cranberry flavor.—June Lindquist, Hammond, WI
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 268 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
13/21
Rice Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 197 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
14/21
Can't-Eat-Just-One Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My cinnamon rolls have been known to vanish quickly. Once I dropped off a dozen rolls for my brothers, and they emptied the pan in 10 minutes. —Regina Farmwald, West Farmington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cinnamon roll: 199 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
15/21
Swedish Cream Apple Rings
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 rings (10 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made this classic coffee cake for every important holiday... Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Now, I carry on the tradition. As I make them, I remember my mom, who was a lot like this recipe: soft and tasteful but full of surprises. The overnight rise let's you make the dough in advance so your morning won't be hectic.—Heather Hood, Hillsboro, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 290 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
16/21
Lace Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother and I make these elegant sandwich cookies filled with melted chocolate chips. Baking together is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. —Stacey B., Stillwater, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 71 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
17/21
Swedish Limpa Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've entered my bread in several fairs and it has won every time! Orange and anise give it a subtle but wonderful flavor. —Beryl Parrott, Franklin, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 186 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
18/21
Cardamom Sour Cream Waffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet with just the right amount of spice, these easy waffles make it nearly impossible to skip your morning meal. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 235 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
19/21
Swedish Raspberry Almond Bars
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a single mom with a young daughter and little money, my neighbor brought me a batch of these treats at Christmas. My daughter’s 36 now, and I still make these wonderful bars. —Marina Castle-Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 165 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
20/21
Cardamom Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 loaves (20 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across this recipe in 1983 and have been making it for the holidays ever since. One year I gave away 20 loaves! —Rita Bergman, Olympia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 114 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/21
Viennese Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A Swedish friend shared this recipe with me many years ago. A chocolate glaze tops tender cookies filled with apricot jam. —Beverly Stirrat, Mission, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 186 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
