Gingerbread (Piparkoogid) Cookies


 Estonian gingerbread or 'piparkoogid', a traditional Estonian Christmas treat.
Image ... copyright Estonian Private Collection
Description : Estonian gingerbread or "piparkoogid", a traditional Estonian Christmas treat.
Location : Edmonton
Comments : Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Dark Karo Corn Syrup
1/2 Cup Molasses
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Cloves
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
1/2 Teaspoon Cardamon
1/4 Teaspoon Allspice
1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
2 Eggs, Beaten
4 Cups or more of Flour
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Butter
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda and 1 Teaspoon Water Mixed together

Heat the syrup and spices in a saucepan. Stir vigorously as the mixture cools. While still lukewarm slowly add the creamed butter, the eggs creamed with the sugar. The Baking Soda mixed with the lukewarm water and gradually add the Flour to form a stiff dough.

Chill overnight or longer. Thinly roll out dough onto floured board (I use 2 plastic bags and roll dough in between them. Less sticky and easier to manage). Cut out with cookie cutters of desired shapes. Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet. Decorate some with Blanched Almonds if you wish. Bake at 325 F for about 8 minutes. When cool store in airtight container.


Alberta's Estonian Heritage