Pepparkakor(Thin Swedish Gingersnaps)
Pepparkakor are traditional Swedish gingersnaps known for their crisp texture and spicy flavor. Made with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these thin cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or as a fragrant treat with coffee or tea. Their delicate crunch and warming spices make them a festive favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sift the flour and mix with the remaining dry ingredients (baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves).
- In a medium bowl, cream the butter until soft. Gradually add sugar, and cream until fluffy.
- Add the well-beaten egg and dark corn syrup to the creamed butter mixture.
- Blend in the dry ingredients in four parts, mixing well after each addition.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Prepare a surface for rolling the dough.
- If available, use a pastry cloth and rolling pin for rolling out the dough.
- Dust each surface liberally with flour, or sprinkle flour onto the pastry board or clean countertop.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, increase the ginger or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you don't have dark corn syrup, molasses is a great substitute that adds depth of flavor. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. Rolling out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper can minimize sticking and make cleanup easier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pepparkakor with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful treat. These cookies also pair beautifully with a creamy dessert like Pavlova or can be enjoyed alongside a cheese platter. Consider garnishing with blanched almond pieces for added texture and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store the gingersnaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their crispness, place a slice of bread in the container; it will absorb excess moisture. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies, layering them with parchment paper, for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepparkakor(Thin Swedish Gingersnaps) contains roughly 574 calories, with 10g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1664mg per serving (72% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure you bring the dough to room temperature before rolling it out to get the best results.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve softer gingersnaps, slightly underbake them. Remove them from the oven when they are just set and still a bit soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool but remain chewy.
What can I do with leftover dough?
Leftover dough can be rolled into balls, wrapped in plastic, and frozen for later use. Alternatively, you can use it to make other shapes or even experiment with adding chocolate chips or dried fruits for a unique twist.
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).