Pepparkakor – Swedish Ginger Cookies
posted by virtual chef on Dec 24, 2008 | Bakery |
I used to just buy these at Ikea. And why not? At just a dollar a box (with probably 50 cookies), it should be enough for my Swedish husband. But nooo. I had to make life difficult for me. Well…it is Christmas after all and since I am baking all these goodies to give away to neighbors and friends, I might as well learn how to make my husband’s favorite cookies. Besides, there is no Ikea in Tahoe. So here it is…
Ingredients:
- 1/2 c molasses
- 1/4 ts salt
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 c butter
- 1 tbs ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 egg, well beaten
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Directions
- Heat molasses in small saucepan to boiling point. Add sugar and butter and stir until butter is melted. Cool then add egg and beat to mix.
- Sift together flour, salt, soda and spices. Add to first mixture and mix thoroughly. Cover bowl tightly and chill overnight.
- Roll out a portion of the dough at a time on lightly floured pastry cloth. Roll out thin. Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake in 350F oven for 6 to 8 minutes. Cool in wire rack.
Notes: It is important to let the dough chill overnight or even for days. The flavor blends better and the cookies are spicier. Roll the dough thinly and watch when baking, checking that you don’t burn it. It will burn easily because they are thin.
Here they are ready to be shared.
What? a dollar a box?! I’ll sure settle for that and not make it too difficult for me. He he he. . .