Pepparkakor
Swedish Ginger Snaps
Thin, crisp, and wonderfully spiced Swedish ginger snaps, a quintessential Christmas cookie. Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g All-purpose flour(Sifted)
- 150 g Unsalted butter(Cold and cut into small cubes)
- 150 g Granulated sugar
- 100 ml Golden syrup (or light corn syrup)(Warmed slightly for easier mixing)
- 2 tsp Ground ginger
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp Ground cloves
- 1 tsp Baking soda(Dissolved in 1 tbsp cold water)
- 2 tbsp Cold water(For the dough)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream together the cold butter cubes and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Incorporate wet ingredients: Gradually add the warmed golden syrup to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined. The mixture may look slightly separated at this stage, which is normal.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until a crumbly dough forms. Add the dissolved baking soda and the 2 tbsp of cold water. Mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Chill the dough: Divide the dough into 2-3 portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours. This chilling period is crucial for developing flavor and making the dough easier to roll.
⏱️ 12-24 hours - 6
Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Roll the dough: Working with one disc of dough at a time (keep the others chilled), roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a very thinness, about 1-2 mm (1/16 inch). The thinner you roll, the crisper the cookies will be.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes per batch - 8
Cut shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small space between them.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes per batch - 9
Bake: Bake for 6-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are lightly colored. Watch closely as they can burn quickly due to their thinness.
⏱️ 6-10 minutes per batch - 10
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a minute or two before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up further as they cool.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 11
Repeat: Continue rolling, cutting, and baking with the remaining dough.
⏱️ Variable
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the crispiest cookies, roll the dough as thinly as possible, aiming for 1-2 mm (1/16 inch).
- ✓Ensure the cookies are baked until they are just done; overbaking will make them bitter.
- ✓These cookies are excellent plain, but can also be decorated with royal icing once completely cooled.
- ✓They should snap cleanly when broken, indicating they are perfectly crisp.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Decorate with royal icing for a festive look.
- Use as building components for a gingerbread house.
- Add a pinch of black pepper to the dough for a subtle peppery kick.