Pepparnötter Peppermint Nuts

Elevate your Christmas baking game this year with a delightful Swedish treat that will fill your home with the cozy scent of the holidays. Pepparnötter, also known as Peppermint Nuts, are traditional Swedish Christmas cookies that are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace. These aromatic cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, allowing you to enjoy the joy of baking without the stress. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can bring a touch of Swedish Christmas magic into your home this holiday season.

**Pepparnötter Peppermint Nuts**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 egg
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 teaspoon finely chopped almonds (optional)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the peppermint extract and egg to the butter mixture, beating well to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. If desired, fold in the finely chopped almonds for added texture and flavor.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Using a fork dipped in powdered sugar, gently flatten each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. 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.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

These Pepparnötter Peppermint Nuts are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter, offering a unique blend of warm spices with a refreshing hint of peppermint. The delicate crunch of these cookies paired with a dusting of powdered sugar makes them irresistible to both young and old alike. Whether you enjoy them with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or as a sweet treat at a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to your home this holiday season. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a Swedish baking adventure that will fill your home with the magic of Christmas. Enjoy!