Embark on a culinary journey to Scandinavia and experience the magic of Peppernotter, traditional Christmas cookies that hold a special place in the hearts of many. These bite-sized treats, also known as Pepparkakor, are a beloved part of the holiday season, gracing cookie plates and warming festive gatherings. Originating in Sweden, these crisp and flavorful cookies have spread throughout the Nordic region, each country adding its unique touch to the recipe. Explore variations like the Swedish Pepparkakor, the Norwegian Peparkaker, and the Danish Pebernødder, each with distinct flavors and textures. With a blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom, Peppernotter exudes a warm and inviting aroma that fills the air with holiday cheer. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat on their own or paired with a warm cup of gløgg, these cookies are a true testament to the culinary traditions of Scandinavia.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PEPPERNOTTER (SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES)
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease several baking sheets.
- Beat the eggs, white sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl until the sugar has dissolved, then beat in lemon juice, almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, allspice, and cloves until thoroughly combined. Mix in flour to make a sticky dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface, and knead the dough 1 to 2 minutes, adding more flour if needed, to make a smooth, workable dough.
- Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place the balls on the prepared baking sheets at least 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
- Remove from sheets immediately to cooling racks to prevent cookies from getting too hard.
- Stir together confectioners' sugar and water to make a glaze, and drizzle each cookie while slightly warm with about 1/2 teaspoon, spreading it around the top of the cookie.
PEBBER NODDER (DANISH CHRISTMAS COOKIES)
These cookies are like little bites of Christmas. Cinnamon and cardamom flavor these little shortbread nuggets.
Provided by YAC2004
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Scandinavian
Time 25m
Yield 100
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, cardamom and cinnamon; stir into the sugar mixture just until blended.
- Separate the dough into 6 balls, and roll each ball into a rope about as big around as your finger on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 36.9 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Cholesterol 8.6 mg, Fat 2 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 14.5 mg, Sugar 2 g
Tips for Making Perfect Peppernotter Cookies:
- To achieve the best texture and flavor, use high-quality ingredients. Freshly ground spices and pure honey will make a significant difference in the outcome. - The dough should be firm and pliable, but not too dry or sticky. If it is too dry, add a little more butter or syrup; if it is too sticky, add a little more flour. - Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch and cut out shapes using a cookie cutter. If the dough is too sticky to roll out, chill it for 30 minutes before attempting to roll it out. - Bake the cookies at a low temperature (300-325°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just beginning to brown around the edges. Overbaking will make them dry and hard. - Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to two weeks at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.Conclusion:
Peppernotter cookies are a delicious and traditional Scandinavian Christmas treat. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their unique flavor and texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. So why not give them a try? You won't be disappointed!
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