This is the best gluten-free recipe for Scandinavian Rosette cookies – based on our traditional family recipe. Updated with nut oil and almond milk to add flavor, but also to make these cookies healthier and climate friendly.
The ingredients in this recipe reflect a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful sourcing. The almond milk and almond oil come from sustainable sources, the ingredients in the gluten-free flour are grown using sustainable agricultural practices, and the sugar is harvested responsibly without expanding into rainforest ecosystems.
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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Table of contents
Traditional Rosette Cookies
Scandinavian Rosettes are a traditional cookie that originated in Sweden, Norway, and Finland. They date back to the 16th century when they were made for special celebrations like weddings and festivals. The name rosette comes from the flower-shaped design made from the batter, which is deep-fried to a crispy texture. The unique flavor and shape of these cookies have made them a popular treat during Christmas holidays, as well as other festive events. Rosettes are a traditional Christmas cookie, but they are delicious any time of the year. These delicate, crispy, and intricately designed cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it be a special celebration or just a simple treat with a cup of coffee.
Rosette cookies are made from a simple batter, which consists of flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. The batter is whisked until smooth and thin, then dipped into hot oil using a special rosette iron. The iron is heated in oil, then dipped into the batter, which sticks to the mold. The mold is then quickly immersed in hot oil, and the cookie is fried until golden brown. The cookie is then removed from the mold and placed on a rack or paper towel to drain off excess oil.
The popularity of rosette cookies has grown over the years, and today they are enjoyed in many parts of the world. They are often served as a dessert or snack during the holiday season, and they are also a popular item at fairs and carnivals. The process of making these cookies requires skill and patience, and it is considered a cherished tradition in many families.
Rosettes are known for their beautiful, intricate design that resembles a flower. Not only are they visually stunning, but they also have a light and crispy texture that melts in your mouth.
Best Recipe for Rosette Cookies – Updated and gluten-free
With Finnish on one side of our family and Swedish on the other, Scandinavian rosette cookies are a tradition in our house for Christmas. My rosette iron dates back generations, and so does our traditional family recipe. But this year we updated the recipe and it actually tastes better than our traditional family recipe. We used nut oil instead of butter, and almond milk instead of milk. The nut oil gives the cookies a delicious nutty flavor without adding nuts, which might burn in the hot oil. The cookies made with nut oil actually come out lighter and crispier because butter is about 20% water, and the nut oil does not contain any water. The almond milk substitutes for milk one-to-one, and adds an additional nutty flavor to the batter. Making these cookies without butter and milk makes them healthier, since they have less saturated fat, and nut oil is a healthy oil. It also makes them dairy free, in case any visitors have dietary restrictions. And, it makes them climate friendly, since they are made with nut oil instead of dairy products. We use King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour instead of all-purpose flour to make them gluten-free and it makes perfect cookies, even crispier than the original recipe.
Ingredients
Making the best cookies starts with using the best ingredients. We have listed the brands for some of the ingredients because ingredients are everything. We have found that these brands give superior results.
- Gluten-Free Flour – King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure flour. responsibly sources the ingredients for their flours, and it pays off in the taste and quality. They carefully calibrate the content, so the flour gives you the same results every time.
- Sugar – Wholesome regenerative organic sugar and powdered sugar are produced from organic sugar cane fields that are green cut and are not burned or treated with herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Burning sugar cane fields contributes to air pollution, climate change, and is also a major cause of the destruction of the rain forest.
- Nut Oil – La Tourangelle Almond Oil is a great substitute for butter. The flavor works well in cookies, and the oil makes the cookies even crispier. Almonds are a sustainable crop that actually helps reverse climate change because the trees remain in place sequestering carbon.
- Salt – Diamond Kosher tastes cleaner and measures differently.
- Vanilla – Baker’s Imitation Vanilla Flavoring. The flavor or real vanilla and imitation is indistinguishable when high heat is used. Double the usual amount of vanilla called for to improve the flavor.
After years inspecting food producers across California, I learned how dramatically ingredient quality affects flavor — especially in cookies. That’s why I choose brands I trust, not sponsors.
No Affiliates Statement
We call this our “no affiliates” statement because we accept no advertising, have no affiliates and accept no payment. We are not paid to mention brands – we just love buying the best, sharing that information and saving the planet at the same time. The effort put into writing and photographing the blog is solely based on our dedication to the cause.
Tips for making the Best Rosette Cookies
Although they may look complicated to make, rosette cookies are actually quite easy, with the right tools and ingredients. All you need is a rosette iron and some basic baking ingredients. These cookies are made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, salt, sugar, almond milk and nut oil. The beauty of this recipe is that it is so versatile, you can add other ingredients, like vanilla, lemon or spices, to make variations on the recipe.
Making rosette cookies from scratch requires a bit of patience and skill, but the end result is totally worth it. If you’ve never made Rosettes before, don’t worry; it’s easier than it looks. All you have to do is heat up the iron mold in the oil, dip it into the batter, then back into the oil to deep fry the batter until the cookies are a beautiful golden brown. The result is a thin, crunchy cookie. If you are new to making them, this post will give you the tips you need.
- Choose an iron that has an “L” shaped handle, so your hand is not over the hot oil as you fry the cookies. The iron shape should be smooth and not rough, or the batter may stick to the iron and not release. Some irons will fry two cookies at once, so half the time, but will require a larger pot.
- If the iron is new, it may need to be seasoned by dipping it in hot oil and letting the oil cool on the iron before doing it again. Doing this several times will create a non-stick so the cookies will come off.
- Have a carving fork handy to remove any cookies that fall off into the oil. Allow them to finish cooking and then remove them with the fork.
- Use the carving fork to remove a cookie from the iron that sticks to the iron. If it still doesn’t come off, put the iron back in the oil and fry it off. If it still won’t come off, it may need to be soaked in water and then the iron reseasoned.
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil frequently, either an instant read thermometer or one that attaches to the side of the pot. The oil temperature changes quickly.
- Leave the iron in the oil as the oil is heating up to ensure the iron is hot enough before using it.
- Every time you make a cookie, dip the iron into the oil for about ten seconds before dipping it into the batter for about ten seconds. This will ensure that the iron is hot enough and the batter stays on the iron.
- Shake off the oil drips into the oil before dipping the iron into the batter. If oil drips start to collect in the batter, whisk them into the batter.
- If batter drips into the oil, scoop out the pieces before they burn so they don’t give the oil and cookies a burnt flavor.
- After frying, remove the cookie immediately from the iron and set it on a wire rack with a plate underneath to catch the oil that drips off.
- Sift powdered sugar over the cookies before they cool so that the sugar sticks to the cookies.
Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just a philosophy—it’s grounded in science. With formal training in agriculture, including organic growing, irrigation, and integrated pest management, I approach ingredients with a deeper understanding of how they’re produced and how they impact the environment.
In this recipe, each ingredient has been selected with those principles in mind. In the ingredients section, I break down the agricultural and environmental considerations behind each one, so you can see how better choices lead to better outcomes—both in flavor and in sustainability.
RECIPE
Equipment
- rosette iron
- carving fork
CHOOSING BRANDS:
For certain products, the choice of brand will make a big difference in the outcome of the recipe and in your carbon footprint. So, for those products, we have listed the brand. We are not paid to mention a brand and have no affiliates.
Ingredients
- 225 grams almond milk gluten-free
- 128 grams King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure flour
- 28 grams La Tourangelle almond oil
- 28 grams Wholesome regenerative organic sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Baker’s imitation vanilla flavoring
- vegetable oil for frying
- Wholesome powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Follow all the instructions exactly, including the brands and equipment, to ensure the best results.
MEASURE THE INGREDIENTS
- Use a scale to measure the ingredients – zeroing the scale between measurements. (Tip: Put each ingredient away or set apart as it is used to keep track of what has already been used.)Into a medium sized mixing bowl measure the flour, almond milk, nut oil, sugar, egg, salt and vanilla extract. Whisk together all the ingredients and refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Choose a pot for deep frying. A small pot will use less oil, but it should be large enough for the rosette iron to fit without touching the sides. Pour the vegetable oil into the pot until it is about two inches deep. Attach a thermometer to the side of the pan. or use an instant read thermometer. Heat the oil to about 370℉.
- Attach the desired rosette shape to the handle and set the iron in the oil with the handle resting on the side while the oil heats up.
- When the oil is the correct temperature and the iron is heated up, remove the iron from the oil. Gently shake any oil drops back into the oil. In one motion, dip the iron into the batter, making sure it is level, until the batter is near the top of the iron, but not over. Hold the iron completely still at this level for about 10 seconds. Then remove the iron with the batter coating it and quickly dip it in the oil until it is almost submerged. If it is not deep enough, the rosette may spread out and release into the oil. If it is too deep, the rosette may fill with oil and will need to be drained before removing it.
- When the batter hits the oil it will bubble. As the rosette becomes brown, the bubbles will subside. When the rosette is golden brown, remove the iron with the rosette still attached and use the carving fork to peel it off the iron onto the cooling rack. Turn it right side up so the excess oil will drain out.
- While the rosettes are still warm, dust with powdered sugar using a sieve. Serve within a few hours while they are still crispy. If they become limp, they can be put in a warm oven (on low) for a few minutes to make them crispy again before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
WHY THIS RECIPE IS A GAME CHANGER:
This recipe is a total game-changer — crafted with the finest [brand name] ingredients, simplified using a master recipe with pro-tested techniques from top chefs and bakers, and designed for deliciously sustainable cooking made easy.”
True to The Master Pantry philosophy, this recipe combines the best seasonal ingredients and quality brands with homemade methods to maximize both flavor and sustainability. It was inspired by our travels and works well as a holiday recipe.
Photos by Tony Fitzgerald Photography
Recipes created by Lisa LeCoump — Food Photographer, Agricultural Expert, and Home Baker. Sharing master recipes, chef secrets, and sustainable baking for every kitchen. Featured on various publications.