If there’s one treat that truly evokes the feeling of cozy holidays and a warm, welcoming home, it’s the classic Swedish Pepparkakor, or ginger cookies. These delightful delights are not only a staple during the festive season but are perfect for any time of year when you’re craving a sweet and spiced cookie to accompany your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Today, we’re sharing a delicious recipe for Pepparkakor that will transport you to a Swedish fika (coffee break) right in your own home. Let’s get baking!
**Pepparkakor Recipe – Swedish Ginger Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
**Instructions:**
1. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Beat in the maple syrup and egg until well combined, ensuring a smooth mixture.
3. **Spice It Up:** Add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and baking soda to the bowl. Mix everything until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. **Incorporate the Flour:** Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but workable.
5. **Chill the Dough:** Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
6. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. **Roll and Cut:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes – traditional shapes include hearts, stars, and pigs.
8. **Bake Away:** Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. **Cool and Enjoy:** Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your delicious Pepparkakor with a cup of coffee or tea, or package them as delightful homemade gifts.
Pepparkakor cookies are a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy throughout the year. Their festive spices and delicate crunch make them a favorite among both children and adults alike. The aroma that fills your home while baking these Swedish gems will surely bring a sense of joy and warmth to your heart.
Whether you shape them into traditional figures or opt for more modern cookie cutter shapes, these Pepparkakor will be a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, get your rolling pin ready, and let’s bake up some Scandinavian magic right in your own kitchen. Happy baking!
