Peppa Pig In Swedish

[Verbena Reynoso]

Allthis week, I and 33 other food bloggers will be posting Christmas cookie recipes, and today in particular, some of us are focusing on international cookies. Last year, I shared a favorite from my own heritage, Scottish shortbread cookies. This year, I'm going Scandinavian with Swedish ginger cookies, called Pepparkakor.

Peppar means pepper and kakor can mean cookie or cake. Modern versions of this recipe don't actually include any pepper, but the one I'm sharing does. You can also include a dash of cayenne pepper, if you like, but I thought these had great flavor without it.

They are similar to gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies that are common in the United States, and like gingerbread, this cookie dough can be cut into shapes. But as you need to work with the dough when it's very cold, I thought it would be easier to scoop and roll into balls.

In researching pepparkakor, I learned that it is tradition to hold a cookie in the palm of your hand. Make a wish, and with the index finger of your other hand, tap the cookie until it breaks into three pieces. Then, your wish will come true!

I have tried so many similar recipes over the years but THIS is the one.! So flavourful but not too sweet. I rolled them out as suggested but as I had expanded the recipe, I also used a trolling pin & cut out some Christmas shapes, both worked well. Thank you for my new go-to Christmas cookie, have a Merry Christmas all ?

These are great! Made them for my Swedish uncle. I used cake flour instead of all purpose and added 2 tbls as per instructions on the cake flour box. I used 1/2 tsp orange zest because my city seems to be out of orange extract. I reduced the sugar to 4 tablespoons and I still think they might be a bit too sweet for my uncle. But they're wonderful! Light, airy, crispy, buttery. I was skeptical about the amount of salt called for but it's perfect. I may have flattened them out too much, but actually I like them this way. I broke one on the table like the Swedish tradition and it actually did break! Thank you for such a neat recipe and fun cultural history!

Update: my uncle really loved them! He said "these are some of the best peperkakor I've had" which is high praise. He said he ate 8 in one sitting which is also high praise for him. Great recipe! I'm adding this to our Christmas traditions :)

I made these exactly to the specifications (OK I confess I added a sprinkle of cayenne but that's it) and they came out BEAUTIFULLY. A big hit with everyone who tasted them. They are going to be a regular part of the repertoire going forward. Thanks very much for such a snappy cookie.

My mother recalls her own childhood when pepparkakor cookies we served at various Christmas parties held in the town she grew up in. This particular recipe is adapted from my aunts recipe that is included in our family cookbook.

These look so sweet! Love the introduction of a family recipe, pepparkakor. We went to Sweden two years ago, and we were in love with their food (not to mention it was stunning). Looking forward to giving this a try.

Haha, cute story! I have never heard of pepparkakor before, but love that their texture is crispy and chewy. The aroma in the orange zest must be real nice in the cookies. Thank you for sharing a family recipe! Enjoy the weekend!

This completely reminded me of my mom, who is part Swedish and we used to make cookies together often. I love your icing designs here and those squeeze bottles are life savers right? The orange in this with the ginger must be divine! Just beautiful Kathleen, thanks.

I'm Kathleen and I live in the Atlanta area. In a lifelong search to discover where I belong and what group I identify with, I found that food is the strongest tie that brings us together. On Hapa Nom Nom, food is a kind of connective tissue, bringing my background, family, travels, and tastes together in one delicious bite. Find out more!

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