The Redhead Baker

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Pepparkakor (Swedish Ginger Cookies) #ChristmasCookies #InternationalCookies

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Pepparkakor are Swedish ginger cookies traditionally served at Christmas time. They are less sweet and have a slightly more complex flavor.

Pepparkakor are Swedish ginger cookies traditionally served at Christmas time. They are less sweet and have a slightly more complex flavor. #ChristmasCookies #InternationalCookies

If you celebrate Christmas, then you know that now is the time to get your tree (or assemble your fake one), decorate it, string up the lights, hang your stockings, and best of all — bake Christmas cookies! Best of all, our Christmas Cookies Week sponsor, Nielsen-Massey, is giving one lucky winner a set of 8 of their extracts and flavors. See the entry widget just above the recipe to enter to win!

All this week, I and 33 other food bloggers will be posting Christmas cookie recipes, and today in particular, some of us are focusing on international cookies. Last year, I shared a favorite from my own heritage, Scottish shortbread cookies. This year, I’m going Scandinavian with Swedish ginger cookies, called Pepparkakor.

Pepparkakor are Swedish ginger cookies traditionally served at Christmas time. They are less sweet and have a slightly more complex flavor. #ChristmasCookies #InternationalCookies

Peppar means pepper and kakor can mean cookie or cake. Modern versions of this recipe don’t actually include any pepper, but the one I’m sharing does. You can also include a dash of cayenne pepper, if you like, but I thought these had great flavor without it.

They are similar to gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies that are common in the United States, and like gingerbread, this cookie dough can be cut into shapes. But as you need to work with the dough when it’s very cold, I thought it would be easier to scoop and roll into balls.

Pepparkakor are Swedish ginger cookies traditionally served at Christmas time. They are less sweet and have a slightly more complex flavor. #ChristmasCookies #InternationalCookies

Unlike American gingerbread, pepparkakor isn’t usually iced or frosted for serving. They are either eaten plain, or with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking.

In researching pepparkakor, I learned that it is tradition to hold a cookie in the palm of your hand. Make a wish, and with the index finger of your other hand, tap the cookie until it breaks into three pieces. Then, your wish will come true!

Some products to help you make this recipe:

Pepparkakor are Swedish ginger cookies traditionally served at Christmas time. They are less sweet and have a slightly more complex flavor. #ChristmasCookies #InternationalCookies

The giveaway

Nielsen-Massey Fine Vanillas & Flavors is giving one winner a set of their pure flavors: 2-oz each of Orange, Lemon, Peppermint, Almond, Chocolate, Coffee, Rose Water, and Orange Blossom Water.

Nielsen-Massey's pure extracts and flavors

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has been crafting the world’s finest vanillas and flavors since 1907. Each of Nielsen-Massey’s all-nature pure flavors are crafted with premium ingredients, sourced from around the world and chosen to meet the utmost quality standards. From lemon to peppermint to coffee or chocolate, Nielsen-Massey’s pure flavors offer convenience, quality and consistency to ensure your favorite recipes taste delicious every single time. All products are gluten-free, allergen-free, GMO-free, all-natural and Kosher.

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5 from 1 vote
Pepparkakor are Swedish ginger cookies traditionally served at Christmas time. They are less sweet and have a slightly more complex flavor. #ChristmasCookies #InternationalCookies
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Pepparkakor (Swedish Ginger Cookies)
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
55 mins
 
Course: Dessert
Servings: 24 cookies
Author: The Redhead Baker
Ingredients
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 6 tbsp white sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp orange extract
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg
US Customary - Metric
Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.

  2. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the butter, both sugars, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, orange extract, salt, cloves, and pepper. As the butter melts, whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat. Cool until just warm to the touch, about 30 minutes.

  3. Whisk the egg into the cooled mixture until smooth. Pour over the dry ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula until no dry flour remains. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

  4. Heat the oven to 350 F with racks in the upper- and lower-middle positions. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Working with a tablespoonful of dough at a time, use dampened hands to roll into balls. Arrange 12 dough balls on each baking sheet, spacing evenly.

  5. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the balls on each sheet and use the bottom of a dry measuring cup to flatten each to about ¼ inch thick. Remove the plastic and bake until richly browned, 14 to 16 minutes, switching and rotating the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking. Cool on the sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Slightly adapted from Dawn Yanagihara’s recipe as seen on Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street

See more Christmas Cookies:

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Comments

  4. I’ve made the Finnish Piparkakut, but haven’t tried these yet! They look wonderful. Love all those spices and such a fun tradition with making a wish.

    Reply

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