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Pepparkakor are classic Swedish gingerbread cookies that have become a symbol of Christmas in Sweden. Their thin, crispy texture and perfect blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom make them the ideal holiday treat. Originally a luxury reserved for the wealthy, these cookies eventually became a beloved tradition enjoyed by families during the festive season. This article not only explores the history of Pepparkakor but also offers a simple recipe for making them, as well as ideas for how to enjoy them with drinks and a fun holiday tradition of making wishes.
Ingredients
- 400 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- 170 g unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 60 ml molasses or golden syrup
- 1 tbsp warm water
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and all the spices.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses (or golden syrup), warm water, and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until fully combined.
- Combine the dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Roll and cut the dough: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thick on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite shapes (hearts, stars, gingerbread people).
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
- Cool and decorate: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Optionally, decorate with royal icing or chocolate, or enjoy plain.
Notes
There’s something about winter in Sweden — the snow, the dark afternoons, the candlelight — that makes you crave comfort. And nothing says "Swedish Christmas" quite like the smell of Pepparkakor baking in the oven. These thin, crispy gingerbread cookies have been part of holiday traditions here for centuries, and once you’ve had them, you’ll understand why.
A bit of history 📜
Pepparkakor aren’t new. They’ve been around since at least medieval times. Back then, spices like ginger and cinnamon were rare — imported luxuries. So cookies like these weren’t for everyone, just the wealthy. But as the world changed and trade brought spices into more homes, Pepparkakor slowly became something shared by everyone during the holidays. By the 18th century, they were already part of Swedish Christmas celebrations. Over time, they went from being a fancy treat to something families made together each year — often in fun shapes like hearts and stars ❤️⭐. And today? Still just as loved.So why are they so good? 😋
It’s the texture and the flavor. These cookies are really thin and crisp, with just the right mix of spice and sweetness. They don’t overwhelm you — they just taste... warm. Comforting. The key ingredients?- Ginger: that peppery warmth that gives them a little kick.
- Cinnamon: classic, cozy, familiar.
- Cloves and cardamom: add depth, a kind of festive complexity.
- Butter and sugar: you need them for that delicate crunch.
How Swedes eat them 🇸🇪☕
Everyone has their favorite way. Some people dip them in coffee or warm milk. Others eat them with Glögg, a spiced wine that’s popular around the holidays. There’s even a surprisingly good combo: Pepparkakor with sharp blue cheese. Sweet and salty — weird but it works!And a little bit of magic ✨
There’s an old Swedish tradition that says if you place a Pepparkaka in the palm of your hand, make a wish, and then tap it in the center — if it breaks into exactly three pieces, your wish will come true. No idea if it works, but it’s fun to try 😌.Final thoughts ❤️
Pepparkakor are more than just cookies. They’re a part of Swedish culture — something that’s been passed down and shared over generations. Whether you're making them for the first time or it’s something you do every year, there's something special about it. The act of baking, the smell in the kitchen, the way everyone gathers around — it’s what the holidays are all about.
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Ooh, these sound amazing! I love gingerbread, and the history lesson is a great touch. My question is, do you think I could substitute molasses for some of the other sweeteners in the recipe? I have a big jar I need to use up!