Päronpepparkakor Pear Gingerbread

Adding a touch of Scandinavian charm to your holiday baking repertoire, Päronpepparkakor, or Pear Gingerbread, is a delightful Swedish Christmas treat that marries the warm flavors of ginger and the sweetness of pear. The combination of aromatic spices and juicy fruit creates a unique and festive cookie that is sure to become a new favorite in your home. These delicious and fragrant treats are perfect for enjoying by the fireside or gifting to loved ones during the holiday season.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and grated
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

6. Gently fold in the grated pear until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for slight spreading.

8. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork or your fingers to create a rustic shape.

9. Bake the Päronpepparkakor in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

10. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Once the cookies have cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Enjoy these delightful Päronpepparkakor Pear Gingerbread cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for a cozy and festive treat that captures the essence of a Swedish Christmas.

These cookies also make a wonderful homemade gift when packaged in a decorative tin or gift box tied with a ribbon. Share the joy of the season with friends and family by treating them to these delicious and fragrant pear gingerbread cookies. Happy baking!