In December, it's time to celebrate the gingerbread cookie! This spicy delicacy comes in many shapes and can be enjoyed both crispy and soft. Here we share our best tips for celebrating Gingerbread Day in the best way with family and friends!
When is gingerbread day?
Gingerbread Day is celebrated on December 9th every year in Sweden. Whether you prefer classic gingerbread cookies or want to try new flavor combinations, it is a perfect day for baking and festivities!
Why is gingerbread day celebrated?
Food days like Cinnamon Bun Day, Waffle Day, and Fat Tuesday are popular occasions to celebrate our food culture, and Gingerbread Day is no exception! The day has been celebrated since the 1990s and reminds us of the long traditions of gingerbread that date back to the Middle Ages. These food days often aim to raise awareness and knowledge about our gastronomic heritage and the beloved pastries that are part of our history.
Gingerbread recipe
This classic recipe for gingerbread cookies is delicious both with and without frosting!
Ingredients:
2 1/2 dl brown sugar
3/4 dl light syrup
3/4 dl water
150 g butter or margarine
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
about 6 dl wheat flour (+ extra for rolling out, 6 dl corresponds to about 360 g)
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
Here's how to do it:
- Mix brown sugar, syrup, and water in a saucepan. Then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the fat and let it melt, then you should add the spices.
- Let the mass cool without stirring.
- Stir in the baking soda and flour and work into a looser dough.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it sit in a cool place until the next day.
- Preheat the oven to 175°C.
- Work the dough smoothly on a floured surface.
- Roll out the dough thinly and cut out cookies with a cutter. Place them on a greased baking sheet or on parchment paper. Bake the cookies in the middle of the oven at 175°C for 6-8 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the tray. Store well in can at room temperature or in the freezer for extra long shelf life!
Recept på mjuk pepparkaka
Here comes a fantastic recipe for a soft gingerbread cake for those who prefer a slightly softer version.
Ingredients:
100 g butter
1 ½ dl sour cream
2 eggs
2 dl granulated sugar
1 ½ dl ground ginger
1 ½ dl ground cloves
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 dl wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
Do this:
- Preheat your oven to 175° (150° fan).
- Melt the butter, pour in the sour cream and let it cool for a while.
- Whisk eggs and sugar until it becomes white and fluffy. Then stir the butter mixture into the egg batter.
- Mix the dry ingredients and stir into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured bakform. Bake your soft gingerbread in the lower part of the oven for about 45 minutes and let it cool.
Christmas decoration with gingerbread cookies
Did you know that gingerbread cookies can become a fantastic decoration in your home? With a little gingerbread dough and icing, you can create small artworks to adorn your rooms! A popular classic is gingerbread houses in various sizes, decorated with colorful candies – a lovely family tradition and a focal point in the Christmas decorations. You can choose to buy a ready-made kit or create your own masterpieces from scratch. Why not bake gingerbread stars with small holes to hang in the window or on the tree?
We hope that Gingerbread Day inspires you to truly start the Christmas coziness, with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies and good company! For even more Christmas inspiration and wonderful recipes for Advent, feel free to check out more of our articles on the Inspiration page.