Traditional Finnish Spoon Cookies, or Lusikkaleivät, are buttery shortbread sandwich cookies filled with jam and rolled in sugar. Browned butter adds rich, nutty flavor to these tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or serving with tea.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Large & small mixing bowls
- Forks or pastry cutter
- Handheld mixer (optional)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheets & parchment paper
- Spoon (for shaping)
- Butter knife
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 225 g unsalted butter
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 240 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Brown the butter: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and continue cooking until browned and fragrant. Stir frequently, watching for golden flecks. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled browned butter, sugar, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Gradually mix in flour mixture. Dough will be crumbly. Add egg yolk and mix until cohesive when pressed.
- Shape cookies: Press dough into spoon bowls or shape by hand, forming small oblong ovals. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 7–11 minutes, until just puffed and lightly golden. Let cool completely before handling.
- Assemble: Flip half the cookies flat-side up. Spread a small amount of jam on each, then sandwich with another cookie.
- Coat each cookie sandwich in granulated or powdered sugar. Let sit on a rack to set.
Notes
There’s something undeniably magical about Finnish Spoon Cookies—known in Finland as Lusikkaleivät. These delicate, buttery sandwich cookies are a cherished treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee ☕. Traditionally enjoyed during the holidays, they’re so delightful that they deserve a place on your table all year round.
Each bite features tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with a rich, nutty flavor thanks to browned butter, gently hugging a layer of tart fruit jam. Whether served at a winter gathering or as a quiet indulgence on a rainy afternoon, these cookies are a celebration of simple elegance and cozy Scandinavian baking. 🇫🇮
❤️ Why Everyone Loves Finnish Spoon Cookies
- 🧈 Rich flavor from browned butter, creating deep, caramelized notes
- 🍓 Customizable filling — use any jam you love, from cloudberry to raspberry
- 🍪 Perfect texture — tender, crumbly, and soft
- ☕ Tea’s best friend — ideal with your favorite hot beverage
- 🎁 Great for gifting — beautiful, unique, and homemade
🛠️ Tools & Equipment You'll Need
To prepare Finnish Spoon Cookies with ease, gather the following kitchen tools:- Small saucepan (for browning butter)
- Large & small mixing bowls
- Forks, pastry cutter, or handheld mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spoon (for shaping cookies)
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Butter knife (for spreading jam)
- Small bowl (for rolling cookies in sugar)
🧾 Ingredients
Here’s everything needed to make about 25–30 sandwich cookies:- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk
- Jam or jelly of choice – Traditional: cloudberry. Alternatives: raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry 🍓
- Additional sugar (granulated or powdered) for coating
👩🍳 How to Make Finnish Spoon Cookies
1. Prepare the Browned Butter
Start by browning the butter—a step that takes this cookie to the next level.- Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Let it melt and cook, stirring occasionally.
- As it begins to pop and fizz, stir more often. Once the popping stops, look for golden brown flecks and a nutty aroma.
- Remove immediately from heat to prevent burning.
- Set aside to cool, but don’t let it solidify.
2. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.
3. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and stir to form a crumbly dough.
- Add in the egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated. The dough should still be crumbly but will hold together when pressed.
4. Shape the Cookies
- Use a spoon to scoop and press dough into a spoon-shaped mold.
- Gently slide the formed dough onto the baking sheet. Repeat until all dough is shaped.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 7–11 minutes, depending on the size of the spoon mold.
- Cookies should appear slightly puffed and just lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on the tray before handling—they are delicate when warm.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Flip half the cooled cookies upside down.
- Spread a small amount of jam on each flat side.
- Top with another cookie to form a sandwich.
7. Sugar Coat for Sparkle
- Roll each sandwich gently in granulated or powdered sugar to give them that iconic sparkle and sweet finish ✨.
- Place on a wire rack to finish setting.
🍽️ Serving & Storage Tips
- Best enjoyed after a few hours – the jam slightly softens the cookies and enhances the flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2–3 months – just thaw at room temperature before serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- If your dough feels too dry, let it rest a few minutes before shaping.
- Choose a tart jam (like raspberry or lingonberry) to balance the sweetness of the cookie.
- Spoon shape doesn’t need to be perfect—slightly rustic is part of the charm.
