Swedish Tradition
I first came across these cookies while visiting my Swedish friend in Lund, Sweden. We spent the afternoon visiting local markets, then returned to her apartment where I had my very first Swedish Fika. It turns out this is a very important part of Swedish culture. Fika is a break during the day to relax, socialize, and enjoy a coffee and pastry. We enjoyed some Swedish mulled wine (non-alcoholic for me!), and Swedish Ginger Cookies (Pepparkakor).
Make a Wish
Swedish tradition is to place a Pepparkakor in the palm of your hand and then you make a wish as you press your finger in the middle of the cookie until it breaks. Tradition says that if the pepparkakor breaks into three pieces, your wish will come true. I happened to have broke my very first Pepparkakor into 3 pieces my very first try! Unfortunately, I cannot remember my wish so I cannot confirm is the tradition is true.
Cookie Cuts
Swedish Ginger Cookies (Pepparkakor) are extremely thin! You can find them for sale often in a specialty grocery store labeled as “ginger thins.” These cookies are rolled out to only 1/8 inch thick. They are typically cut into basic shapes, like hearts, or the Swedish Christmas goat. Oftentimes Swedes will make them with a hole punched through the mid top in order to loop ribbon or string through them and decorate their Christmas trees. I cut mine into snow flakes and added a bit of icing for fun.
Baked to Perfection
The most important steps in this recipe are to allow the dough to set in the refrigerator, to bake until the edges are crisp, and to bake with lots of love! I also believe my baking mats make a huge difference. They make for a nice even bake and an easier clean-up. Click here for my AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat Sheet, Set of 2 (paid link).
PrintSwedish Ginger Cookies (Pepparkakor)
These Swedish Ginger Cookies (Pepparkakor) are a Christmas tradition that is sure to bring the festive spirit into your home.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For Creaming:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup room temperature butter (not melted or cold!)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream together sugar and butter. Add the egg and syrup
- Slowly add in the dry ingredients. I add it in 3 increments.
- Wrap up the dough and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- When you are ready to bake, set the dough out and bring it to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface (using as little flour as possible) Take 1/4 of the dough at a time, then roll out the dough to an 1/8 inch thick. Cut to desired shape with a cookie cutter. (If you want to hang them on your tree, a straw works nice to cut a hole) Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes, depending on your oven. The edges should be crisp but not too dark. Allow them to cool.
- In Sweden, the cookies are plain but I added a little bit of icing for festive fun. This step is optional.
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