Mjuka Pepparkakor Soft Gingerbread Cake

There’s nothing quite like the warm and cozy feeling of baking during the holiday season. One recipe that always brings a smile to my face is the classic Swedish Mjuka Pepparkakor, or Soft Gingerbread Cake. These delightful treats are a staple in Swedish Christmas celebrations, with their soft and chewy texture and fragrant blend of spices that fill your home with the most wonderful aroma. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa by the fireplace, these Mjuka Pepparkakor are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, salt, baking soda, and flour.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. The dough will be quite sticky, but refrain from adding excess flour as this will result in a drier cookie.
6. Divide the dough into two portions for easier handling. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or simply use a round cutter for classic gingerbread cookies.
7. Place the cutout cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, you can enjoy your Mjuka Pepparkakor as is, or decorate them with icing or sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

These Mjuka Pepparkakor Soft Gingerbread Cakes are perfect for sharing with family and friends during holiday gatherings or as thoughtful homemade gifts. The combination of warm spices and soft texture truly captures the essence of a cozy Christmas at home. So get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and let the sweet smell of gingerbread fill your kitchen this holiday season. Happy baking!