Indulge In Swedish Delights At The Best Bakery In Chicago – Swedish Bakery

Are you a fan of Swedish pastries and delicacies? Then the Swedish Bakery in Chicago, IL, is the place to be! The bakery has been serving the community for over 90 years, offering a wide range of delicious treats that will take you on a culinary journey to Sweden. From classic Swedish butter cookies to scrumptious cardamom buns, the Swedish Bakery has something for everyone.

Swedish Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, you’ll love the Swedish version. They’re not overly sweet, but they’re full of cinnamon flavor and have a lovely cardamom kick. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and water until lukewarm.
3. Add the melted butter and egg to the milk mixture and whisk to combine.
4. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
8. Sprinkle the cinnamon, cardamom, and raisins (if using) over the dough.
9. Roll up the dough tightly and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
10. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
12. Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

Nutritional Information:

Serving size: 1 roll
Calories: 240
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 130mg
Total carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 5g

Cooking Time:

1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time) + 25 minutes

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Baking dish

Serving Suggestions:

Swedish cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea, or pair them with fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced meal.

Variations:

If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can omit them or replace them with chopped nuts or chocolate chips. You can also add a drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting on top for extra sweetness.

Substitutions:

If you don’t have cardamom, you can use nutmeg or ginger instead. You can also use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier or allergy-friendly version.

Storage:

Swedish cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm.

Tips:

• Make sure the milk mixture is not too hot or it will kill the yeast.
• Don’t over-knead the dough or it will become tough.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as the oven with the light on, for best results.
• Brush the rolls with melted butter before baking for a golden crust.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q: Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 1 month. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Swedish Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious cookie recipe, try the Swedish butter cookies. They’re buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the flour, vanilla extract, and salt and mix until a dough forms.
3. Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Flatten the balls with a fork or cookie stamp.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
8. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

Serving size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total carbohydrates: 11g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 1g

Cooking Time:

30 minutes (including chilling time) + 10-12 minutes

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Fork or cookie stamp

Serving Suggestions:

Swedish butter cookies are perfect for tea time or as a snack. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, or pack them in a lunchbox for a midday treat.

Variations:

You can add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top for extra crunch.

Substitutions:

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use almond extract or any other flavored extract. You can also replace some of the flour with cocoa powder for chocolate butter cookies.

Storage:

Swedish butter cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw, let them come to room temperature before serving.

Tips:

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading.
• Use a cookie stamp or fork to make decorative patterns on the cookies.
• Bake the cookies until lightly golden, not brown, for a tender texture.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 1 month. Just shape it into balls and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let them thaw in the