Finnish Pepper Cookies (Piparkakut) Recipe
Overview
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Scandinavian cuisine with our Finnish Pepper Cookies, also known as Piparkakut. These thin, spicy cookies are a perfect treat for Christmas or any time you crave a hint of warmth and spice in your dessert repertoire.
Recipe Details
- Cook Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours 36 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 dozen thin cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 cups butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tsp baking soda
- 9 cups all-purpose flour
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 1345
- Total Fat: 59.1g
- Saturated Fat: 36.4g
- Cholesterol: 189.2mg
- Sodium: 1043.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 190.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugars: 61.4g
- Protein: 16.5g
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a saucepan, combine the dark corn syrup, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, ground cloves, ground ginger, butter, and granulated sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Cool and Chill:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the mixture into a large mixing bowl.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
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Mix and Rest:
- The next day, stir in the egg, heavy cream, baking soda, and flour until the dough is well combined.
- Cover the bowl again and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier handling.
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Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Shape and Bake:
- Working with about 1/2 cup of dough at a time, roll out the dough very thin (approximately 1/8 inch thick) on a lightly floured surface.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Traditional shapes include stars, hearts, and circles.
- Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned around the edges.
- Be watchful as they bake; the goal is crisp cookies that are lightly browned but not overly dark.
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Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
- This recipe yields approximately 8 dozen 2-inch cookies, perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Serving Tips
These Finnish Pepper Cookies are best enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or tea, allowing their spiced flavors to complement the comforting beverage. Serve them as a dessert after a hearty meal or package them beautifully to give as a heartfelt treat during the holiday season.
Storage
To keep your Piparkakut fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Discover the joy of baking these Finnish Pepper Cookies (Piparkakut) with our detailed recipe. Whether you’re celebrating a Scandinavian-inspired holiday or simply craving a spiced sweet treat, these thin, crisp cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Embrace the tradition and warmth of Scandinavian baking with every delicious bite!
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