Swedish honey-toffee cookie fingers

Golden Swedish honey-toffee cookie fingers bring a delightful balance of crisp edges and a soft center that pairs beautifully with your favorite cup of coffee. These elegant cookies are baked as logs and sliced warm into thin diagonal strips, making them perfect for an afternoon treat or a refined snack to share with guests.

I first made these on a chilly afternoon and found them to be the perfect companion to my coffee break. Since then, they have become a staple for weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter room temperature: provides a creamy base and helps create the cookie's tender texture
• White sugar: adds sweetness while helping to create a light, crisp edge
• All-purpose flour: the foundation for structure; choose a reliable brand for consistent results
• Vanilla powder or extract: infuses warm aromatic notes adding depth of flavor
• Baking powder: gives the cookies a subtle lift making them lighter
• Honey or golden syrup: brings a natural sweetness and toffee undertones essential to the cookie’s signature taste. Use high-quality honey or golden syrup for best flavor

Instructions

Spooncream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and white sugar together until pale and fluffy. This process should take several minutes and is key to creating a light texture in the cookies.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Add the all-purpose flour, vanilla, baking powder, and honey or golden syrup to the creamed mixture. Gently fold and mix until a soft, homogenous dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Divide and Shape the Dough:

Separate the dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion gently into a long log shape around half an inch thick. Arrange the logs on a non-stick parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them to allow some spreading.

Press and Flatten:

Using your fingertips, press each dough log down until it is about a half inch thick. This helps create the characteristic thin cookie fingers after slicing.

Bake Until Golden:

Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The logs should be golden brown around the edges but soft in the center.

Slice While Warm:

Remove from the oven and let the dough logs cool slightly until warm but firm enough to slice. Use a sharp knife to cut the logs diagonally into thin strips, enhancing the elegant shape and crispness of the cookies.

Cool Completely:

Allow the sliced cookies to cool fully on the tray. They will firm up as they cool while maintaining a delicate texture perfect for dipping or snacking.

Honey is my favorite ingredient here because it not only sweetens but adds a subtle complexity that sets these cookies apart. One memorable moment was serving them during a family brunch where everyone immediately asked for the recipe—they disappeared in no time.

Storage Tips

Keep these cookies in a sealed container at room temperature to preserve their crisp edges and tender interior. Avoid storing them in the fridge, which can dry them out. For longer storage, freeze the sliced cookies in a single layer on a baking tray before transferring to a sealed freezer bag.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have vanilla powder or extract, you can substitute with almond extract for a different but pleasant aroma. You can replace honey with golden syrup for a toffee-forward flavor, or use maple syrup for a unique twist, though the texture may be slightly softer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Swedish cookie fingers on a small platter alongside strong coffee or black tea. They also pair wonderfully with creamy cheeses or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent treat.

These honey-toffee cookie fingers are simple to make and ideal for sharing with coffee or tea. Make a double batch and freeze slices for quick treats on busy mornings.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What is the best honey to use for these fingers?

Choose a mild, light honey to preserve the delicate flavor without overpowering the buttery sweetness.

→ Can I substitute golden syrup for honey?

Yes, golden syrup provides a richer toffee flavor, enhancing the fingers' sweetness and depth.

→ How do I achieve a crisp edge with a soft center?

Baking the dough logs until just golden and slicing them warm ensures crisp edges while maintaining a tender interior.

→ What is the ideal thickness for shaping the dough rolls?

Flatten the dough logs to about half an inch thick for even baking and the classic finger shape.

→ How should the fingers be stored to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp and flavorful for several days.