Pepparkakor (Swedish Ginger Cookies)
Author Notes: Be sure to take generous scoops from the spice jars. (Sometimes, in order to get extra spicy, gingery flavor, I'll use an actual teaspoon as opposed to a measuring one.) Feel free to try different amounts to make the cookies to your own liking. —Taylor Rondestvedt
Makes about 120 small cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 1/4 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger (be generous)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon allspice (if you have it)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (to your liking)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- In a medium bowl, sift the dry ingredients together.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together, then add egg, maple syrup, and water. Beat until fluffy.
- Mix in dry ingredients about 1/2 cup at a time slowly, so the dough doesn't get too stiff.
- Remove from the bowl and form a big ball. Separate into quarters and refrigerate, covered, for 2 to 6 hours.
- When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Working with 1/4 of dough at a time, roll out the dough (I like to do this between plastic, but you can also use a floured surface), until it is about 1/8-inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on parchment-lined cookie sheets.
- Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, but watch the first batch carefully! You want the cookies to get toasty and golden, not too dark.
- This recipe is a Community Pick!
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10 months ago Maureen
How much earlier can they be made for Christmas without freezing ?
over 1 year ago Scheherazade
Would it be ok to refrigerate the dough for a couple of days?
over 1 year ago Taylor Rondestvedt
sure! I've had some in my fridge for three days, and i've been making a batch or two at a time. I wouldn't go too long, but it seems to be alright!
almost 2 years ago Mindy
Holy Mother of Cookies - I made this recipe last night and they are very spicy. I loved them! For some people who are sensitive to spices I wouldn't recommend adding even close to a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Delicious though, I had to stop after 6 cookies because my face was on fire.
almost 2 years ago Taylor Rondestvedt
I'm so glad you enjoyed them- yes, I like them to have a bit of a bite!
almost 2 years ago Courtney C
These were amazing! Such a great spice combo. I scooped very generously as suggested and added a teaspoon of mace, which I had on hand. The cayenne adds a great burn - also, makes a ton of cookies.
almost 2 years ago Taylor Rondestvedt
Ooo I've never tried adding mace, but I'll have to test it! The recipe does make lots (especially if you use a tiny cookie cutter) but they always seem to disappear fast.
over 1 year ago Courtney C
Yes they do disappear fast! I love them - thanks again for the great recipe!
Showing 8 out of 8 comments