Scandinavian Sugar Bars

Preheat the oven to its highest temperature setting, 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine the flour and baking soda in a bowl using a sifting motion to evenly distribute them.

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and golden syrup until smooth. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and blend until just combined. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shaping each into a long, thin roll approximately 1 inch thick. Place the rolls on the cookie pan with enough space between them for expansion during baking.

Bake the dough in the preheated oven until it reaches a light golden brown color and has flattened slightly; approximately 20-22 minutes if using margarine, or 13-15 minutes if using butter. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a short period, about 3 minutes. Cut the warm cookies into diagonal strips with lengths of 1 to 2 inches. Allow individual cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.