Best 2 Traditional Swedish Pepparkakor Recipes

**Traditional Swedish Pepparkakor: A Journey Through Time and Taste**

Pepparkakor, the iconic Swedish Christmas cookie, holds a special place in the hearts of Swedes and cookie enthusiasts worldwide. This beloved treat, characterized by its distinctive gingerbread flavor, crispy texture, and intricate designs, has been a staple of Swedish holiday celebrations for centuries. Pepparkakor is not just a cookie; it's a culinary and cultural heritage passed down through generations, embodying the essence of Swedish tradition and the warmth of the holiday season.

This article presents a comprehensive guide to traditional Swedish pepparkakor, offering two authentic recipes that capture the true essence of this classic cookie. The first recipe, "Ancestral Pepparkakor," takes you on a journey through time, using ingredients and methods passed down from generation to generation. The second recipe, "Modern Classics," offers a contemporary twist on the classic pepparkakor, incorporating modern baking techniques and a touch of culinary innovation while staying true to the traditional flavors.

Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to perfect your pepparkakor skills or a novice eager to embark on a culinary adventure, this article has something for everyone. Delve into the history, symbolism, and cultural significance of pepparkakor, and discover the secrets to creating the perfect batch of these delectable cookies. Embrace the tradition, experiment with flavors, and let the aroma of freshly baked pepparkakor fill your home with the magic of the holiday season.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TRADITIONAL SWEDISH PEPPARKAKOR

Traditional Swedish Pepparkakor image

These thin, crispy spice cookies are a Christmas tradition in Sweden. They're usually cut into heart, flower or star shapes. Dusting your cookie cutters with flour will make it easier to cut the dough.

Provided by Eal

Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Scandinavian

Time 1h35m

Yield 100

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons dark corn syrup

Steps:

Sift the flour together with the baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom in a mixing bowl.
Beat the butter together with the white and brown sugars in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and corn syrup until smooth. Gradually stir in the flour mixture until evenly blended. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and wrap tightly each with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets.
Using 1 portion at a time, work on a floured surface and roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutter, and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake in preheated oven until set, about 5 minutes. Cool completely. Store in tightly covered tins.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 47.4 calories, Carbohydrate 7 g, Cholesterol 6.7 mg, Fat 1.9 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 39.9 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

TRADITIONAL PEPPARKAKOR (SWEDISH SPICE COOKIES)

Traditional Pepparkakor (Swedish Spice Cookies) image

Traditional Swedish spice cookie; traditionally served on St. Lucia Day (Dec. 13). These are my sisters favorite cookie.:) (Note: you need to mix up the dough a day in advance, cover and let rest overnight). Cardamom & finely chopped candied ginger would make nice additions to these Pepparkakor. The molasses is an essential ingredient in this recipe, you get crispy yet chewy cookies with a lovely rich subtle depth of flavor. Don't skip!

Provided by BecR2400

Categories Dessert

Time 55m

Yield 3 1/2 dozen cookies, 42 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter (do NOT use margarine) or 1 cup shortening (do NOT use margarine)
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses (I use "Grandma's Original" unsulphured molasses)

Steps:

Sift together dry ingredients; set aside.
Cream sugar and butter.
Add egg and molasses.
Blend in dry ingredients thoroughly. Let dough stand overnight for easy rolling.
On a well-floured board, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness.
Cut into shapes (we usually make gingerbread people) and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
NOTE: Prep time does not include time to let dough rest overnight.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your pepparkakor.
Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough.
Chill the dough before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and will help the cookies keep their shape.
Use a sharp knife to cut out the cookies. This will help to prevent ragged edges.
Bake the cookies until they are just set. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
Let the cookies cool completely before decorating them. This will help to prevent the decorations from smudging.

Conclusion:

Pepparkakor are a delicious and festive holiday cookie that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make these traditional Swedish cookies at home. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!