**Piparkakut (Gingersnap): A Journey Through Finnish Christmas Traditions**
Step into the enchanting world of Finnish Christmas baking with piparkakut, the beloved gingersnap cookies that hold a special place in the hearts of Finns. These delectable treats, characterized by their unique blend of spices and crisp texture, have been a cherished part of Finnish holiday traditions for centuries. Piparkakut are not just cookies; they are edible pieces of art, often intricately decorated with intricate designs and shapes that reflect the magic of the season. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the world of piparkakut, discovering the secrets behind their irresistible taste and the joy they bring to Finnish Christmas celebrations. In this article, we present a collection of piparkakut recipes that capture the essence of this timeless tradition, inviting you to create your own batch of these delightful cookies and experience the warmth and joy they bring. From classic recipes passed down through generations to creative variations that add a modern twist, our selection offers something for every baker, ensuring that the spirit of piparkakut lives on for generations to come.
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.
GINGERSNAPS (PEPPARKAKOR)
Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without these cookies on the Smorgasboard table. We cut them in all kinds of shapes, stars, hearts, goats, reindeer, you name it. Don't just save them for the holidays, however, these are great any time of the year. It's key to roll these very thin before cutting out, as that is what gives the cookie it's traditional "snap". These cookies are a bit of work, but the dough freezes beautifully, so make a batch of dough, cut and bake a few, then freeze the rest for another day.
Provided by IngridH
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 100 cookies, 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring sugar, syrup, ginger, and cloves to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Place the butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the baking soda to the sugar mixture, then pour over the butter.
- Stir until the butter is melted.
- Add the egg and flour. Mix until thoroughly blended.
- Knead the dough, then place in the refrigerator to chill.
- Roll out the dough on a floured board to 1/16 inch thickness.
- Using a knife or fancy cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes.
- Place cookies on a greased (or nonstick) baking sheet.
- Bake at 325F for 8-10 minutes.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Re-roll the scraps and repeat until all of the dough is used.
PIPARKAKUT (GINGERSNAP)
Steps:
- Heat the butter, sugar, molasses, spices, pepper and orange zest over medium heat, constantly stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 4-5 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°F. 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 1/8 inch thick. Sprinkle flour on work surface as needed to prevent sticking. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Arrange about ½ inch apart on a greased cookie sheet. Beat egg white with ¼ 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 minutes before transferring to racks to cool. Gather leftover dough, roll it out again, and continue to cut out and bake the remaining dough.
Tips:
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves have a more intense flavor than pre-ground spices, resulting in more flavorful cookies.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Roll out the dough evenly: Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a consistent thickness, ensuring even baking.
- Use a cookie cutter: If you don't have a piparkakku mold, use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies. Choose fun and festive shapes to add a touch of whimsy to your cookies.
- Bake the cookies until golden brown: Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven, as they can burn quickly. Bake them until they're golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
Conclusion:
Piparkakut are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed during the holiday season or anytime you crave a sweet and spicy cookie. With their unique blend of spices and crispy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delightful Finnish gingerbreads. Happy baking!
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