Icelandic Pepper Cookies

Delight in the warm, aromatic flavors of Icelandic Pepper Cookies, a traditional treat that blends sweet and spicy with a Scandinavian twist. Made with a rich combination of butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup, these cookies feature a symphony of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and a hint of black pepper for a unique zing. The optional addition of cardamom adds an extra layer of depth to their flavor profile. With a crisp texture and perfectly spiced bite, these cookies are ideal for the holiday season or as an anytime snack. Easy to prepare and perfect for festive cookie cutters, they bake in just 10 minutes—filling your kitchen with comforting, spiced aromas. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or gifted to loved ones, Icelandic Pepper Cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 40

Ingredients

• 225 grams unsalted butter
• 200 grams granulated sugar
• 100 grams brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 100 grams golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
• 500 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 2

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the golden syrup.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground black pepper, and ground cardamom (if using).

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

Step 5

Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 3mm (1/8 inch) thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.

Step 8

Transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2cm (1 inch) apart.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.

Step 10

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining dough.

Step 12

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy with coffee, tea, or as a festive gift!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1238.6 grams (1238.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5087

Total Fat 208.10g	267%
Saturated Fat 116.30g	582%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 870mg	290%
Sodium 1484mg	65%
Total Carbohydrate 768.80g	280%
Dietary Fiber 17.20g	61%
Total Sugars 378.80g
Protein 65.70g	131%

Vitamin D 80IU	400%
Calcium 320mg	25%
Iron 27mg	149%
Potassium 906mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.9%

Protein: 5.0%

Carbs: 59.0%