Piparkūkas are traditional Latvian Christmas cookies made with honey, spices, and a hint of black pepper. Fragrant and festive, these cookies are perfect for baking and sharing during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 500 g sugar
- 1000 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g honey
- 100 g molasses (or dark syrup)
- 2 eggs
- 5 tbsp butter (softened)
- 120 ml water
- 5 g ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking soda (dissolved in lemon juice)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and softened butter until pale and fluffy.
- Add the soda dissolved in lemon juice and mix
- Stir in ⅓ of the sifted flour.
2. Warm the Honey Base:
- In a small saucepan, gently heat honey and molasses over a water bath until fully melted.
- Pour the warm mixture into the dough base and mix well.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Gradually stir in the remaining flour, along with all the spices: pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Knead into a firm, smooth dough.
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 2 days to let the flavors develop.
4. Shape the Cookies:
- After resting, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 3–5 mm thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to make stars, hearts, animals, or trees.
- Gather excess dough, reroll, and cut again.
5. Bake:
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
Notes
🍪 Piparkūkas – Latvian Spiced Honey Cookies for Christmas Magic
There’s something heartwarming about the scent of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger wafting through a winter home. In Latvia, that cozy scent means one thing: Piparkūkas are baking! 🇱🇻✨ These fragrant, spiced honey cookies are a cherished part of Latvian Christmas traditions. Whether shaped like stars, trees, or hearts, Piparkūkas (literally “pepper cakes”) are a must during the holidays — served with tea, shared with neighbors, and often left out for Santa himself.🎄 A Sweet Tradition with a Spicy Twist
In Latvian homes, Piparkūkas are more than just cookies. They’re a seasonal ritual — one that brings families together in the kitchen, often days in advance. The dough, infused with warm spices and rested for 48 hours, becomes richly aromatic and beautifully workable for cutting festive shapes. One surprising element? These cookies include a pinch of black pepper, giving them a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of honey and molasses. If you’ve never tried spiced cookies with pepper — this is your invitation.🍯 Why You’ll Love Piparkūkas
✅ Traditional Latvian flavor✅ Naturally spiced — no artificial ingredients
✅ Perfect for holiday baking with kids
✅ Keeps beautifully — ideal for gifting Whether you enjoy them plain, decorated, or dipped in chocolate, Piparkūkas bring a little magic to every winter celebration. ❄️
✨ Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with tea or mulled wine
- Add a simple sugar glaze or icing
- Tie with twine for homemade edible gifts
- Dip in dark chocolate for a luxurious twist
💫 Festive Storytime
As the cookies cool and the spicy aroma fills the air, you may hear soft footsteps near the door. Could it be Santa Claus? Or maybe the neighbors, enchanted by the smell of fresh Piparkūkas, stopping by for a taste. Whoever it is — let them in, pour the tea, and share the magic 💖 Latvian recipes