Need a sweet with creamy, chocolaty, concernfully nostalgia? Here comes the dammsugare recipe to sweep you off your feet — literally! Also referred to as the “vacuum cleaner” treat (don’t worry, it tastes much better than it sounds), this Swedish classic is as much fun to make as it is to eat. A true crowd-pleaser, this molded dessert, coated in chocolate and filled with cookie crumbs and buttercream, features a green marzipan shell.
Fun fact: the dammsugare gets its quirky name because it’s shaped like an old-school vacuum cleaner and also because it’s traditionally made from leftover cookies, a pretty brilliant way of “cleaning up” your pantry. It’s great for fika (Swedish coffee break) or whenever you could use a little lift.
If you’ve already made our Swedish Cinnamon Buns and loved them, you’re going to go crazy for this treat too. It’s faster, just as delicious and requires no baking. So put on your apron and let’s roll (literally)! You won’t believe how easy it is to mimic this cute classic in your own kitchen.
What is Dammsugare?
So you may ask yourself, why is it called dammsugare? Isn’t that the Swedish term for vacuum cleaner? Yep, it is! These adorable little green-and-brown logs were named for their cylindrical shape, which remind one of those retro vacuums from the 1950s. Plus they help “suck up” crumbs of leftover cake or cookies, so the nickname sort of stuck!
Just call it a snack cleanup mission. Filled with cream and wrapped in almondy marzipan before being dipped in chocolate, it’s evidence that the way to a man (or anyone’s) heart is most definitely through the stomach. Still skeptical? Don’t be! Try this dammsugare recipe so you can see how irresistible it is.
Why You’ll Love This Dammsugare Recipe:
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this dammsugare recipe, but let’s break it down into three delicious highlights:
1. It’s Incredibly Fun and Tasty
The combination of textures and flavors makes this treat stand out. A soft, chocolatey filling with a hit of punch (yep, there’s a splash of arrack or rum!) wrapped in smooth marzipan and dipped in rich chocolate? It’s an indulgent bite of heaven.
2. It’s Budget-Friendly and Waste-Reducing
Got leftover cookies or cake? This recipe is your new best friend. It’s a smart, money-saving way to use up those extra treats while making something that looks (and tastes) like it came from a fancy bakery.
3. Customizable and So Pretty
The bright green marzipan is classic, but feel free to switch up the colors for parties or holidays. You can even flavor the filling with coffee, citrus, or nut butters. Want something similar but baked? Try our No-Bake Swedish Chocolate Balls for another easy treat!
Ready to roll? Let’s dive in!
How to Make Dammsugare Recipe:
Quick Overview
This dammsugare recipe is delightfully easy and quick to put together. It requires no baking, just mixing, rolling, and dipping. From start to finish, you can whip up a batch in under 45 minutes. It’s the perfect weekend kitchen activity that delivers café-quality results.
Key Ingredients for Dammsugare Recipe:
- 200g crushed cookies (digestives or chocolate biscuits work great)
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 75g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp arrack or dark rum (optional)
- 200g green marzipan
- 100g dark chocolate, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies, softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and arrack (if using). Mix until a thick, moldable dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Logs
Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a log about 2 inches long. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Roll Out the Marzipan
Dust your surface with powdered sugar and roll out the marzipan into a thin sheet. Wrap it around each chilled log and gently press to seal. Trim any excess.
Step 4: Dip in Chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate and dip each end of the marzipan-wrapped log. Place on parchment paper to set.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop the dammsugare in the fridge for another 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Then enjoy with a hot cup of coffee!
What to Serve Dammsugare With:
Dammsugare pairs beautifully with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a creamy latte. If you’re planning a dessert spread, add some chokladbollar (Swedish chocolate balls) or almond tarts for variety. For a more decadent pairing, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Yum!
Top Tips for Perfecting Dammsugare:
- Don’t skip chilling the filling before wrapping it in marzipan—it makes handling easier.
- Use good-quality marzipan for a smoother texture and better flavor.
- Swap arrack with rum, coffee extract, or even almond extract for a twist.
- Color your marzipan to match seasons or parties. Think pink for Valentine’s Day or orange for Halloween!
- Wrap tightly and seal the marzipan to avoid gaps before dipping in chocolate.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze the dammsugare for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Reheating isn’t needed, but if you want a warm edge, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying.
Health Benefits of Dammsugare Recipe:
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cocoa Powder | Rich in antioxidants and iron |
| Almond Marzipan | Provides protein and healthy fats |
| Butter (in moderation) | Source of Vitamin A and flavor |
| Cookie base | Offers carbs for quick energy |
While dammsugare is definitely a treat, it can still be a fun way to enjoy small doses of energy-boosting ingredients. Plus, homemade means you control the sugar and quality of ingredients—a sweet win!
Dammsugare Recipe: How to Make It Like a Pro
Course: DessertCuisine: SwedishDifficulty: Easy12
servings25
minutes180
kcalA classic Swedish no-bake dessert made with cookie crumbs, cocoa, butter, and arrack, wrapped in green marzipan and dipped in dark chocolate.
Ingredients
200g crushed cookies (digestives or chocolate biscuits work great)
100g unsalted butter, softened
75g powdered sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp arrack or dark rum (optional)
200g green marzipan
100g dark chocolate, melted
Directions
- Step 1: Make the FillingIn a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies, softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and arrack (if using). Mix until a thick, moldable dough forms.
- Step 2: Shape the LogsDivide the dough into small portions and roll each into a log about 2 inches long. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Step 3: Roll Out the MarzipanDust your surface with powdered sugar and roll out the marzipan into a thin sheet. Wrap it around each chilled log and gently press to seal. Trim any excess.
- Step 4: Dip in ChocolateMelt the dark chocolate and dip each end of the marzipan-wrapped log. Place on parchment paper to set.
- Step 5: Chill and ServePop the dammsugare in the fridge for another 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Then enjoy with a hot cup of coffee!
Notes
- Use rum or almond extract as an arrack substitute.
For colored marzipan, use gel food coloring for best results.
Keeps well in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for 3 months.
FAQs : Dammsugare Recipe
What is Dammsugare?
Dammsugare is a traditional Swedish no-bake dessert made with cookie crumbs, butter, cocoa, and a hint of liquor, wrapped in green marzipan and dipped in dark chocolate.
Can I make Dammsugare without alcohol?
Yes! You can substitute the traditional arrack or punch with rum extract, almond extract, or simply leave it out for a kid-friendly version.
How long do Dammsugare keep?
Dammsugare can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
What does Dammsugare mean?
Dammsugare literally means ‘vacuum cleaner’ in Swedish, named after the treat’s resemblance to old-fashioned vacuum cleaners!
Can I use store-bought cookies for Dammsugare?
Absolutely! Leftover cookies like chocolate chip, vanilla wafers, or even sandwich cookies work perfectly for the base.
Share Your Twist!
Tried this dammsugare recipe and added your own flair? Maybe you swapped in a different cookie, colored the marzipan for a holiday theme, or made it booze-free for the kiddos—whatever your version, we’d love to hear about it! 🎉
Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram or drop a comment below with your creative spin. Your twist might just inspire someone else’s next fika treat. 💚✨
Let’s keep the sweet ideas rolling—what’s your dammsugare secret?
I love how this recipe makes use of leftover cookies—what a clever way to reduce waste while creating something delicious! The marzipan shell and chocolate coating sound like the perfect balance of textures.
I love how dammsugare creatively uses up cookie leftovers — such a smart way to reduce waste while making something delicious! Curious, have you ever tried variations with different marzipan colors or flavors? I’d love to hear if certain twists work especially well!
I love how this recipe makes use of leftover cookies! It’s like a genius way to turn pantry scraps into something amazing. Plus, the marzipan shell sounds so fun to work with!
The connection between dammsugare and old-school vacuum cleaners made me smile—what a fun bit of food history. I might try a batch using gingerbread cookie leftovers for a holiday twist.