Embark on a delightful culinary journey to Finland and discover the secrets behind the irresistible Finnish pepper cookies, known as piparkakut. These traditional treats, deeply rooted in Finnish culture, are characterized by their distinctive spicy-sweet flavor, crispy texture, and intricate designs. With Christmas being the time when piparkakut truly shines, explore variations such as the classic piparkakut, the cardamom-scented pomeranssipiparkakut, the chewy piparkakkutaikina, and the unique piparkakkutalo, a gingerbread house that doubles as an edible decoration. Immerse yourself in the rich history and symbolism of these beloved cookies while indulging in their delectable taste.
Let's cook with our recipes!
PIPARKAKUT
Provided by Emily Weinstein
Categories quick, dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield About 7 dozen medium cookies
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat the butter, sugar, molasses, spices, pepper and orange zest over medium heat, constantly stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 4 to 5 minutes. Pour into a large bowl and cool until tepid, about 20 minutes.
- Add the egg, salt and baking soda and beat well to combine. Add half the flour and beat until barely combined. Add the remaining flour and beat until barely combined. The dough should be sticky but manageable; if it is too wet, add a little flour. Form into a large ball and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Divide the dough in two. Place one half on a floured work surface, and sprinkle a little flour on top. With a floured rolling pin, roll dough to between 1/16- and 1/18-inch thick. Sprinkle flour on work surface as needed to prevent sticking.
- Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Arrange about 1/2 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet. Beat egg white with 1/4 cup water and lightly brush on the cookies. Sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until cookies begin to darken around the edges. Let cool one minute before transferring to racks to cool. Gather leftover dough, roll it out again, and continue to cut out and bake the remaining dough.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 38, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 21 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
PIPARKAKUT - FINNISH GINGER COOKIES
Piparkakuts are a traditional holiday cookie in Finland. They are usually cut into round scallop shapes, but little boys and pigs are the traditional shapes during the holidays. I found this recipe on the internet and I can't wait to give it a try soon! --NOTE-- cooking time includes cooling time and chilling time.
Provided by Kim D.
Categories Dessert
Time 12h30m
Yield 3 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine butter, sugar, corn syrup and spices in a saucepan.
- Over low-medium heat, stir ingredients constantly until ingredients look like they are about to boil.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Allow sugar mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Stirring occasionally might help speed up this process.
- Stir eggs into cooled sugar mixture.
- Sift flour and baking soda together and add to sugar mixture.
- Mix well.
- Roll dough into a ball.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours or overnight.
- Split dough into 2 parts; Roll dough about 1/4-inch thick on a clean, floured surface.
- Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake in preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Cookies can be left plain, or decorated with pipped icing.
- NOTE: This makes a crisp cookie, if a softer cookie is desired you may substitute brown sugar for the granulated sugar.
FINNISH PEPPER COOKIES - PIPARKAKUT
Make and share this Finnish Pepper Cookies - Piparkakut recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Julesong
Categories Dessert
Time 9h36m
Yield 8 dozen thin cookies
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a saucepan, combine the syrup, cinnamon, allspice, pepper, cloves, ginger, butter, and sugar, and bring it to a boil.
- Remove the mixture from the heat, transfer it into a bowl, and let cool.
- Stir in the egg, cream, soda, and flour; cover and place in the refrigerator and let chill overnight.
- When ready to make cookies, preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Roll the dough out very thin, using about 1/2 cup of the dough at a time and cut it into your desired shapes.
- Lightly grease a cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookies are lightly brown, crisp but not too dark.
- Recipe makes about 8 dozen 2-inch cookies.
Tips:
- To achieve the perfect texture for your Piparkakut cookies, make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.
- If you don't have a rolling pin, you can use a wine bottle or even a glass to roll out the dough.
- To make sure your cookies are evenly baked, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
- If you want to decorate your Piparkakut cookies, you can use a variety of toppings such as icing, sprinkles, or chopped nuts.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Piparkakut cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their unique flavor and texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're in the mood for a sweet and satisfying snack, be sure to give Piparkakut cookies a try!
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