Swedish gingerbread cookies are sweet and spicy treats that fill your home with their warm aroma. They’re perfect for sharing or snacking anytime!
These cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate. I love baking a big batch for the holidays and enjoying them with a cup of tea—so cozy and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookies. If you want a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend, which works well in most recipes.
Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom): These give the cookies their warm flavor. If you don’t have ground cardamom, it’s okay to skip it. I love adding a touch more ginger to enhance that spicy kick!
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps it balanced. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, which still gives a great texture.
Molasses: This adds depth and sweetness. If you run out, you can use honey or maple syrup as alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Royal Icing: For decorating, this step is optional. You can use store-bought icing instead, or even melted chocolate for a fun twist!
How Do You Get the Perfect Rolling Thickness for Cookies?
Getting the right thickness when rolling out cookie dough is key to even baking. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness ensures they bake nicely without becoming too hard. Here are some tips:
- Lightly flour your surface to avoid sticking but not too much, as it can alter the dough’s texture.
- Use a rolling pin with guides or a straight edge to check your thickness consistently.
- Roll out one disk at a time and keep the other in the fridge to stay firm.
- Cut your shapes quickly, so the dough doesn’t warm up too much, which can make it harder to work with.
Enjoy making these Swedish gingerbread cookies with your own personal touches!
Swedish Gingerbread Cookies (Pepparkakor)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional for authentic Swedish flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light molasses or dark syrup
- 1 large egg
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)
For the Royal Icing (optional):
- 1 egg white
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time plus at least 2 hours of chilling in the fridge. The baking time is around 8-10 minutes. So, plan for a delightful time in the kitchen, a bit of waiting, and then you’ll enjoy your delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground cardamom (if you’re using it), and salt. Setting this aside lets the spices blend nicely before joining the wet ingredients.
2. Make the Butter Mixture:
Grab a saucepan and heat it on medium-low. Melt the butter, then mix in the sugar and molasses. Stir until everything is combined and the sugar has dissolved. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Once the butter mixture has cooled, beat the egg into it until fully mixed. This will create a lovely, creamy consistency to your dough.
4. Form the Dough:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky; that’s normal!
5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a disk shape. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then pop them into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill. This helps the flavors develop and makes rolling easier.
6. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. This thickness is essential for those perfect, crispy cookies.
8. Cut and Place the Cookies:
Using cookie cutters or a knife, cut the dough into your desired shapes—rounds, stars, hearts, or whatever fun design you wish! Place each cookie on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about an inch of space between them.
9. Enjoy a Sparkly Touch:
If you’d like, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on each cookie to give them a lovely sparkle before baking.
10. Bake:
Pop them in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to darken slightly, but make sure they don’t burn. They should stay crisp!
11. Cool:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate with Royal Icing (optional):
For an extra touch, you might want to decorate with royal icing. To make it, beat the egg white and lemon juice together until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until thick and glossy. Use a piping bag to create beautiful designs on your cooled cookies and let them set.
Enjoy your crisp and flavorful Swedish gingerbread cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family during the holidays. Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give the cookies a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. You may need to adjust the amount slightly, so start with 2 cups and add more as needed until the dough comes together.
How Can I Store the Cookies After Baking?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
What If I Don’t Have Molasses?
No worries! You can substitute molasses with light corn syrup or honey, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. If using honey, choose a lighter variety to avoid overpowering the spices.
Can I Decorate These Cookies in Advance?
Absolutely! You can decorate the cookies with royal icing in advance. Just make sure to let the icing set completely before stacking them or sealing them in containers. This way, they will keep their design intact!