Contents
Finnish S Cookies (Ässät)
These traditional Finnish S Cookies, or Ässät, are buttery, lightly sweetened treats with a hint of cinnamon. With their signature S-shape and tender crumb, they’re a nostalgic nod to Finnish heritage and perfect for coffee breaks or holidays.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment)
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheets
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Shallow bowl for cinnamon sugar
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at cool room temperature (226 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch kosher salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla, and beat again until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until a stiff dough forms.
- Transfer dough onto plastic wrap, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for rolling.
- Pinch off ~25 grams of dough. Roll into a ½-inch thick cylinder.
- Roll in the cinnamon sugar, then form into an “S” shape. Place on baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake 8–11 minutes, until just set. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Delightfully buttery, lightly sweet, and infused with a hint of cinnamon, Finnish S Cookies, known as Ässät in their native land, are a charming and nostalgic treat enjoyed across Finland. These traditional cookies strike a beautiful balance between shortbread and sugar cookies, offering a crumbly-yet-soft texture and their signature S-shaped twist. They're perfect for fika (a cozy coffee break), gifting, or simply adding a bit of Nordic flair to your cookie jar. 🍪✨
🧁 What Are Finnish S Cookies (Ässät)?
Ässät cookies are a beloved part of Finnish baking heritage. Their distinctive S shape makes them instantly recognizable, and the simple combination of butter, sugar, vanilla, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar gives them a flavor profile that’s both comforting and memorable. 📜 Why the “S” shape?Legend has it the S stands for “Suomi,” the Finnish word for Finland. Some believe that, during certain political periods in Finland’s past, these cookies may have even been used as a subtle signal to like-minded individuals—though this remains a bit of folklore rather than documented fact. Either way, the cookies remain a symbol of cultural identity and home-style tradition.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at cool room temperature (226 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
🍽️ Tools & Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Cookie sheet(s)
- Parchment paper
- Shallow plate or bowl for rolling
- Kitchen scale (optional, for even sizing)
- Spatula or bench knife
👩🍳 How to Make Finnish S Cookies (Ässät)
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well blended.4. Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. The dough will be stiff and may look crumbly, but it should come together as you mix.5. Chill the Dough
Use a spatula to scoop the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. Chilling helps with shaping and texture.6. Preheat the Oven
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.7. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling.8. Shape the Cookies
- Pinch off about 25 grams of dough (a kitchen scale helps with uniform cookies).
- Roll it into a cylinder about ½ inch thick.
- Roll the dough log in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Twist it gently into an S shape and place on the baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
9. Bake
Bake cookies for 8–11 minutes, until just set and slightly golden on the edges. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🧊 How to Store Finnish S Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days—if they last that long! You can also freeze the dough after shaping and bake straight from frozen (add a minute or two to the bake time).🔍 Tips for Perfect Ässät Every Time
- Don’t skip the chilling time! It’s crucial for easy shaping and helps prevent the cookies from spreading.
- Want a deeper flavor? Try adding a touch of cardamom to the dough—another traditional Nordic spice.
- These cookies are also lovely with a cup of coffee or tea—a truly Finnish way to enjoy them.
