

“A cake with your coffee is a tasty break that enriches your life and provides a moment of everyday luxury.”
The story behind “a cake with your coffee”
In Swedish culture, the expression “en kaka till kaffet” is more than just a coffee ritual. It has a deep historical meaning and has undergone changes over time.
The importance of ‘cake with coffee’ in Swedish culture
The expression “a cookie with your coffee” is a symbol of community and friendship. It’s not just about enjoying a delicious cake with a cup of coffee, but it also has an inherent meaning of sharing moments of joy and togetherness. By “a cookie with your coffee” we mean that little extra that adds a little something to life.
Historical change of expression
In earlier times, when baking and cooking were a major part of women’s responsibilities in the home, ‘a cake with your coffee’ was also associated with the stereotypical housewife life. Going the extra mile was something that was looked up to at a time when women were outside the public workforce. But over the years, the term has changed and become more inclusive, with a broader meaning of offering something extra and creating pleasant moments together.
Real cookies with your coffee
What cakes and buns have we traditionally eaten with coffee?
In Sweden, we have a long tradition of baking and enjoying different kinds of cakes with our coffee. Some popular traditional cakes are cinnamon buns, sugar cookies, and cookies such as oatmeal and chocolate squares.
What new cakes have emerged in recent decades?
Over time, new varieties of cookies have also become popular in Sweden. Examples include macarons, cupcakes and various types of raw food cakes suitable for those who choose a healthier lifestyle.
The importance of the cake variety for the coffee ritual
The type of cake you choose for your coffee can be important to create the right atmosphere. Traditional cakes often convey a sense of security and nostalgia, while new and modern varieties can bring excitement and playfulness.
Cake with coffee in practice
The perfect occasion for a cake with your coffee
Offering a cake with your coffee can be appropriate in different situations. It can be an everyday moment to treat yourself or as a way to show appreciation for someone else. It can also be a welcome addition to family gatherings or festive occasions.
Cookies at work
In many workplaces, a cake with coffee is a tradition that creates a pleasant working environment. Having a short break to socialize and enjoy a good cake with a good cup of coffee can contribute to increased job satisfaction and community.
Cake-eating in the light of health trends
With increased awareness of health and diet, some people have reduced their intake of cookies. This has led many people to look for alternatives that satisfy their taste buds while being healthier, such as gluten-free or sugar-free pastries.
Substitutes for the cake – what could be next?
In a time of constant change and innovation in the food world, substitutes for traditional cakes can also emerge. It could be new baked goods that haven’t yet reached their audience, or perhaps something completely different that takes its place on the coffee table.
Recipes for the most common pastries to go with coffee
Here are some commonly used recipes for pastries that are suitable for coffee time both at home and at work:
Cinnamon buns
Ingredients:
\- 50 g butter
\- 2 dl of milk
\- 25 g yeast
\- 0.5 dl sugar
\- 0.5 tsp salt
\- 1 tsp ground cardamom
\- 7-9 dl of wheat flour
Do this:
1\. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the milk and heat until finger warm.
2\. Crumble the yeast into a bowl and pour over the lukewarm liquid. Stir until the yeast dissolves.
3\. Add the sugar, salt, cardamom and most of the flour. Work the dough smooth, adding more flour if necessary.
4\. Bake the dough covered for about 30 minutes.
5\. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with butter, sugar and cinnamon.
6\. Roll up the dough from the long side and cut into pieces.
7\. Place the buns on a baking sheet and leave to rise for about 30 minutes.
8\. Bake in the oven at 225°C for about 8-10 minutes.
Sugar cookies
Ingredients:
\- 200 g butter
\- 3 dl of sugar
\- 3 eggs
\- 5 dl of wheat flour
\- 2 tsp baking powder
\- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
\- 1 dl of milk
Do this:
1\. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
2\. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each egg.
3\. Mix the wheat flour, baking powder and vanilla sugar and add to the batter.
4\. Add the milk and stir until smooth.
5\. Pour the batter into a greased and browned pan.
6\. Bake in the oven at 175°C for about 30-35 minutes.
Oat flarn
Ingredients:
\- 100 g butter
\- 1 dl of oatmeal
\- 1 dl of sugar
\- 1 tbsp wheat flour
\- 1 tbsp light syrup
\- 0.5 tsp vanilla sugar
Do this:
1\. Melt the butter in a saucepan.
2\. Mix all the ingredients in the butter.
3\. Press the batter out onto baking paper in small dollops.
4\. Bake in the oven at 175°C for about 8-10 minutes.
Chocolate squares
Ingredients:
\- 200 g butter
\- 4 dl of sugar
\- 2 dl of wheat flour
\- 4 tbsp cocoa
\- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
\- 3 eggs
Do this:
1\. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the other ingredients.
2\. Pour the batter into a greased mold.
3\. Bake in the oven at 175°C for about 20-25 minutes.
Macaroons
Ingredients:
\- 110 g almond flour
\- 225 g icing sugar
\- 110 g egg white (about 3 eggs)
\- 30 g of sugar
\- Colored pasta paint (optional)
Do this:
1\. Mix the almond flour and icing sugar in a bowl.
2\. Whisk the egg whites and sugar to a firm meringue.
3\. Fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue and mix gently.
4\. Add any pasta coloring and mix.
5\. Spread out small circles on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
6\. Let the macarons rest for about 30 minutes to create a “crust”.
7\. Bake in the oven at 150°C for about 12-15 minutes.
Cupcakes
Ingredients:
\- 125 g butter
\- 2 dl of sugar
\- 2 eggs
\- 3 dl of wheat flour
\- 1.5 tsp baking powder
\- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
\- 1 dl of milk
Do this:
1\. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
2\. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each egg.
3\. Mix the wheat flour, baking powder and vanilla sugar and add to the batter.
4\. Add the milk and stir until smooth.
5\. Divide the batter into muffin tins.
6\. Bake in the oven at 175°C for about 15-20 minutes.
Go out and bake some delicious cookies for your next coffee break and enjoy the Swedish tradition of “a cookie with your coffee”!

FAQ – A cake with your coffee: more than just an expression
What does the expression “a cake with coffee” symbolize in Swedish culture?
The expression “a cookie with your coffee” symbolizes community, friendship and sharing moments of joy and togetherness. It’s not just a coffee ritual, but it represents that little extra something that adds a little something extra to life.
How has the meaning of the term changed over time?
In earlier times, ‘a cake with your coffee’ was associated with the stereotypical housewife life and doing little more than the necessary. Over the years, the term has become more inclusive and broader, with the meaning of offering something extra and creating pleasant moments together.
What traditional cakes and buns do we usually eat with coffee in Sweden?
In Sweden, we have a long tradition of baking and enjoying different kinds of cakes with our coffee. Some popular traditional cakes are cinnamon buns, sugar cookies, and cookies such as oatmeal and chocolate squares.
What new types of cookies have become popular in recent decades?
Over time, new varieties of cookies have also become popular in Sweden. Examples include macarons, cupcakes and various types of raw food cakes suitable for those who choose a healthier lifestyle.
What could replace traditional cookies in the future?
In a time of constant change and innovation in the world of food, substitutes for traditional cakes may emerge. It could be new baked goods that haven’t yet reached their audience, or perhaps something completely different that takes its place on the coffee table.

Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels
Photo by Ioana Motoc on Pexels
Photo by Ioana Motoc on Pexels