The Art of Fika: How a Coffee Break Can Transform Your Day
We’ve all been there—rushing through the day, juggling responsibilities, drinking coffee on the go like it’s just fuel. But what if there was a better way? Enter fika, the Swedish tradition of taking a real, intentional break.
Fika (pronounced “fee-kah”) isn’t just about grabbing coffee; it’s about pausing, connecting, and truly enjoying the moment—preferably with something sweet on the side. It’s a mindset shift from doing to being.
Why Fika Matters for Mental Health
We live in a world where productivity is praised, but rest and connection are just as important. Fika gives us permission to:
Slow down – Take a breath. Not every moment has to be productive.
Reconnect – Whether it’s with a friend, co-worker, or just yourself, fika is about meaningful pauses.
Enjoy simple pleasures – A warm drink, a bite of something sweet, and a quiet moment can bring a surprising amount of joy.
In Sweden, fika is often built into daily life—a mid-morning or afternoon ritual where people stop what they’re doing, step away from work, and enjoy a break together. And honestly, isn’t that something we all could use?
How to Bring Fika Into Your Life
You don’t need to move to Stockholm to enjoy fika. Here’s how you can integrate this cozy ritual into your daily routine:
Make It Intentional – Set aside time (even just 10 minutes) where you pause and enjoy a warm drink and a small treat. No multitasking.
Create Atmosphere – Light a candle, grab a cozy blanket, or play soft music to make the moment feel special.
Step Away from Work – No emails, no rushing. Let it be an actual break.
Invite Someone – Fika is even better with company. Call a friend, sit with a coworker, or enjoy it with your partner.
Pair It With Something Delicious – Which brings us to today’s recipe…
Marzipan & Dark Chocolate Biscotti
Biscotti is one of those quietly perfect snacks—it’s crunchy, lightly sweet, and practically made for dunking into a warm cup of coffee or tea. This version, with marzipan and dark chocolate, brings a touch of indulgence while keeping that classic Italian crispness. It’s the kind of treat that makes a fika break feel extra special.
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
1 (8-ounce) can of marzipan (or 7-ounce tube), chopped into small pieces and dusted with a bit of powdered sugar
½ cup cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips
A few pinches of sea salt and pearl sugar for sprinkling
Instructions:
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set aside.
Whisk the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Combine & fold: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet, then gently fold in the marzipan and cacao nibs or chocolate chips.
Chill: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (or up to overnight).
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Shape & bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a long rectangle, about 4 inches wide. Leave space between them, as they will spread in the oven. Sprinkle the tops with pearl sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Bake for 25 minutes.
Slice & crisp: Remove from the oven and reduce the heat to 250°F. Cut each rectangle into 1-inch slices, place them on their sides, and return to the oven. Bake for another 20 minutes (or until they reach your preferred level of crispiness).
Enjoy: Let cool, then serve with your favorite warm drink. Best enjoyed while fully embracing the art of fika.
Pro Tip: Marzipan can get sticky when chopped! To make it easier, dip your knife in powdered sugar before cutting—it’ll keep the pieces from sticking and help you get clean, even cuts.
