Hallongrottor (Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies)

Swedish raspberry thumbprint bites that are a perfect afternoon snack... along with a cup of Swedish coffee, of course!

Forget flowers and chocolate: flowers and cookies are where it's at!

A simple and easy shortbread base, paired with a lovely dollop of jam...

This is a perfect little bite to pair with a cup of coffee or tea during a much needed pause in the middle of the day. Roughly translated to "raspberry caves", this traditional Swedish cookie is a much-loved part of the famed Seven Cookie Selection, which only the creme de la creme of housewives (or husbands!) would serve to guests upon them entering the home.

A Note on the "Fikapaus"

A "fikapaus" is a 3pm coffee break that is widely and religiously observed in Sweden. This is a time for a break from work, a cup of hot Joe with your mates, and maybe a sweet little something to go with it. And then back to work!

Ingredients

1. 4.5 dl (235g) flour

2. 1 dl (85g) sugar

3. 1 teaspoon baking powder

4. 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)

5. 200g butter or vegan butter

6. 1 dl (100ml) raspberry jam

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 395 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Mix together all of the ingredients except for the butter in a bowl.

3. Cut the butter into small pieces and crumble it into the mixture until it comes together into a dough.

4. Refrigerate dough for 10-15 mins while you line a baking tray with mini cupcake liners.

5. Take dough out of the fridge and form it into small balls.

6. Place a ball in each hole and use your thumb to make a dip in it. Fill dip with raspberry jam.

7. Bake for around 10 minutes.