Kolasnittar: Caramel Cuts

Kolasnittar, also known as Swedish caramel cookies or caramel slices, are a popular type of cookie in Sweden. The word “kolasnittar” translates to “caramel slices” or “caramel cuts” in English. These cookies have a slightly chewy texture when freshly baked but become crisp as they cool. Similar to many Swedish cookies, they are dry, crunchy, and best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Origins

The exact origins of Kolasnittar: Caramel Cuts are difficult to determine, but they are deeply rooted in Swedish baking culture. Swedish cuisine values simplicity, and the caramel flavor in kolasnittar comes from the use of svartsirap in the dough. Svartsirap, which translates to black syrup, is a common type of molasses in Sweden. If you’re in Sweden, you can also use mörksirap, which is dark syrup, for a slightly milder caramel flavor. In the United States, plain molasses can be used.

Their Distinctive Shape 

To make Kolasnittar: Caramel Cuts, the dough is rolled into logs, pressed onto a cookie sheet, and then baked. Once out of the oven, the block of cookies is immediately cut into pieces, giving kolasnittar their distinctive shape.

My first kolasnitt 

I first discovered Kolasnittar: Caramel Cuts when I started working at my first bakery in Sweden, located in the suburbs of Stockholm. We were packaging cookies for sale in the shop, and my boss was thrilled for me to try them since they were his favorites. I had never seen cookies made this way in the United States, and it was love at first bite.

Kolasnittar can be found in bakeries and supermarkets throughout Sweden. They have also gained recognition outside the country due to the increasing popularity of Swedish baked goods worldwide, thanks in large part to kardemummabullar. 

Though I have made these as part of a 12 Days of Christmas series they are popular year round and make for great gifts.

Print Recipe

Kolasnittar: Caramel Cuts

Kolasnittar literally means caramel cuts in Swedish (kola=caramel and att snitta=to cut). They are named for both their flavor and distinctive shape. These are deceptively simple but once you start eating them you won’t be able to stop.

Ingredients

• 200 g butter softened
• 200 g sugar
• 300 g flour
• 40 g molasses svartsirap/black syrup
• 12 g baking soda

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a bowl, combine 200g softened butter, 200g sugar, and 40g of molasses. Mix together until well combined and there are no streaks.
• Add 300g of flour and 12g of baking soda to the bowl. Continue stirring until the dough starts to come together and becomes shaggy.
• Transfer the dough onto a clean countertop. Begin kneading the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and there are no dry spots. If you have a stand mixer, you can use a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
• Form the dough into a thick disk and cut it into 4 equal pieces.
• Take one piece of dough and start rolling it into a log shape. The log should be slightly shorter than the long side of your baking tray. Repeat with the remaining dough.
• Line your baking tray with parchment paper. Due to spreading during baking, it’s best to bake two logs at a time.
• Gently press down each log with your fingers to flatten it slightly, then place them on the prepared baking tray.
• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
• As soon as they come out of the oven, begin cutting the logs. Use a bench scraper or a knife to cut through the dough at a slight angle.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely.

Video