If there’s one aroma that can instantly transport you to a cozy winter wonderland, it’s the scent of freshly baked ginger cookies. In Norway, the tradition of baking Ingefærkaker, which translates to ginger cookies, is an essential part of the Christmas season. These cookies are a delightful mix of warm spices and sweetness, perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or gifting to loved ones. Let’s dive into the world of Norwegian holiday baking with this classic Ingefærkaker recipe.
**Ingefærkaker Ginger Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– Additional flour for rolling out the dough
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the dark corn syrup and grated fresh ginger to the butter mixture, stirring to combine.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it is easy to handle.
6. Divide the dough into two equal portions for easier handling. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out shapes from the dough. Traditional shapes like hearts, stars, and Christmas trees are popular in Norway.
8. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, you can decorate the cookies with a simple glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
These homemade Ingefærkaker Ginger Cookies will fill your home with the sweet and spicy scents of the holiday season. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to all who indulge in them. So, gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and let the magic of Norwegian Christmas baking fill your home with love and cheer.
