Large snowflakes start a slow waltz as they ride the melody of the wind in the December sky. We watch from a frosted window in the soft, warm glow of the fire while our flickering shadows join their dance in the spirit of the season. Some winter treats to make the moment perfect… a sweet rush of dark molasses, a short bite of ginger, and a light kick of black pepper will bring the holiday warmth inside with the first bite.
Prep Time: 20 min | Bake Time: 8-10 min | Makes: +/- 36 | Difficulty Level: ♦♦ – Beginner
the Dough
- 2 1/2 cup Flour – all-purpose
- 1 ½ sticks Butter – plant-based, room temperature
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Molasses
- 3 tsp Ginger – powdered
- 1 1/2 tsp Rainbow Peppercorn – ground
- 1 tsp Allspice
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
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- Icing – to decorate the biscuits
On to the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar and molasses until smooth and creamy. Add the spices and mix in thoroughly until evenly distributed.
Add the sifted flour and baking soda a little bit a a time while bringing the mixture together with a spatula. Scrape the sides of the bowl and bring the dough together adding 1 tbsp of lukewarm water. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350° F.
On a lightly-floured kneading board, roll out the Nordic gingerbread dough to 1/4″ thickness. Cut into desired shapes and bake for 8-10 min on a greased cookie sheet.
Decorate with icing as desired.
EXTRAS AND TIPS
It is an established tradition in our household to develop new gingerbread recipes each winter and make it more exciting than it already is. A holiday classic of many European culinary traditions, this year’s variation from our test kitchen is a Nordic gingerbread that is inspired by one of my favorite snaps, Swedish “pepparkakor”, literally a “pepper cookie.”
Quick suggestion that will make your life easier: When bringing the crumbly dough together, after incorporating the flour into the butter mixture, add a tablespoon of lukewarm water. The liquid will be just enough to help you produce a shiny and malleable dough that is easier to work with.
If you are curious to try pepparkakor, you can purchase some at World Market.
This snackable delectable gingerbread always brings me back to the time spent in Nordic countries in the winter. If you want to know more our our journey across the planet, check out our adventure photography and travel page.
