Pepparkakor Recipe – Swedish Christmas Ginger Cookies
If the scent of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves says “Christmas” to you, Pepparkakor will feel like coming home. These thin, crisp Swedish ginger cookies are a cornerstone of the holiday season in Sweden, and this classic Pepparkakor recipe is featured in the new book Swedish Christmas: The Simple Gift of Togetherness, Tradition & Joy by Kortney Yasenka and Karen Johnson Yasenka. The book is a celebration of Swedish holiday traditions, seasonal baking, and festive gatherings, and it hits stores on October 27, 2026.
A Brief History of the Pepparkakor Holiday Tradition
The story of Pepparkakor stretches back centuries. Spiced cookies like these have been baked in Sweden since at least the Middle Ages, when prized spices such as ginger and cloves arrived from far-off lands, and early records point to monastery kitchens as some of the first places they were made.
Over time, the cookies became a beloved part of Christmas, cut into hearts, stars, and little Yule goats, hung on the tree, and shared around the table with family and friends. There is even a playful tradition of placing a cookie in your palm, making a wish, and tapping it with your finger. If it breaks into three pieces, your wish will come true.
Whether you bake them for fika, a cookie swap, or a quiet evening at home, Pepparkakor is an easy way to bring a little Swedish togetherness and joy into your holiday.
Pepparkakor Swedish Ginger Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup dark corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 tablespoon baking soda
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 5 cups sifted all-purpose flour
Directions:
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the egg.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until the dough is firm.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thick or thinner. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
7. Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Baking Tip: For the most traditional Pepparkakor, roll the dough as thinly as possible. The thinner the cookie, the crispier the result.
Makes approximately 5–6 dozen cookies, depending on size and shape.
Serving Suggestions and Ways to Enjoy Pepparkakor
Pepparkakor are wonderfully versatile, and the thin, snappy texture makes them perfect for sharing. Here are a few cozy ways to enjoy them this holiday season:
With coffee or tea for fika.
Nothing beats a stack of Pepparkakor alongside a hot mug during a slow afternoon break. The warm spices pair beautifully with black coffee, chai, or a simple cup of tea.
Alongside glögg or hot cocoa.
Serve them with warm spiced glögg (a traditional Scandinavian hot, spiced mulled wine) at your next holiday gathering. They are also a great dunking cookie for hot chocolate.
On a cheese board.
In Sweden, Pepparkakor are often paired with cheese, especially creamy blue cheese or a sharp aged variety. The sweet and savory contrast is surprisingly delicious and gives your holiday spread a festive twist.
As Christmas tree ornaments.
Use a skewer to poke a small hole in each cookie before baking, then thread ribbon through to hang them on the tree or tie them to gifts.
Decorated with the kids.
Cut the dough into hearts, stars, and Yule goats, then decorate with simple white icing. It is an easy, hands-on activity for family time.
As a homemade gift.
Stack a few cookies in a cellophane bag or tin and tie it with twine for a thoughtful gift for neighbors, teachers, and friends.
For a cookie swap.
Crisp, sturdy, and long-lasting, Pepparkakor travel well and hold up nicely on a holiday cookie platter.
