Pepparhokor(Spice Cookies)
Spice cookies with warm ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg offer a fragrant, slightly spicy treat perfect for holidays or festive gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy richly flavored baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Stir the dry mixture into the sugar, shortening, molasses, margarine, and eggs until well combined.
- Cover the dough and chill for several hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350° to 375° F.
- Roll out the dough on a floured board to about 1/8-inch thickness, working with small portions at a time.
- Cut out cookies with floured cutters and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool, then decorate as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier flavor, increase the amounts of ginger and cloves slightly. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. To avoid the dough being too sticky, make sure to chill it for at least 4 hours. This will make rolling easier and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Pepparhokor cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. Consider pairing them with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter alongside Butternut Ball Cookies or a festive fruit cake. Decorate them creatively for a fun baking project with kids.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, or warm in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepparhokor(Spice Cookies) contains roughly 1307 calories, with 7g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (77% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1317mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. To maintain some lightness, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients.
What can I use to decorate the cookies?
You can decorate the cookies with royal icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles. For a more natural option, use melted chocolate or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. These options allow for creative designs that can elevate the festive appeal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).