Finnish Gingerbread Cookies are crisp, buttery cookies flavored with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Known in Finland as piparkakut, they are a beloved holiday treat, baked especially for Christmas. The dough is rolled thin and cut into festive shapes. Lightly sweet yet richly spiced, these cookies pair beautifully with coffee, hot glögi, or even cheese.
A Beloved Family Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
This recipe comes from my childhood and likely originated from my mother’s copy of Otavan Suuri Keittokirja, a red vinyl-covered cookbook from decades ago, filled with traditional recipes and instructions. The edition I own today no longer includes this recipe, and my mother probably added her own small touches to make it just right.
I still remember standing on a kitchen chair, helping her prepare the dough for Finnish gingerbread cookies and sneaking tastes at every stage. I loved watching the spiced syrup start to foam after the baking soda was added, and then seeing how the butter transformed it into a smooth, shiny mixture. Those scents and moments remain the heart of my holiday baking and what Finnish gingerbread cookies mean to me.
These days, I continue the tradition with my family. Our Labrador, Ella, is always nearby, watching every step with calm curiosity. She lies close to the oven, following each batch as it bakes, and her gentle presence makes the kitchen feel even cozier, even if the spiced cookies aren’t meant for her.
How to Enjoy Finnish Gingerbread Cookies
These cookies are perfect with hot glögi, a traditional Finnish spiced drink served warm during the holiday season. When made at home, glögi often starts with a base of berry juice, typically a mix of blackcurrant and cranberry or cowberry, infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Many people add raisins and almonds for a festive touch. Some prefer to enrich it with red wine or a dash of something stronger, while others enjoy a lighter, non-alcoholic version made only with juice. There are also white-wine-based versions of glögi, each offering its own fragrant and cozy flavor.
For a sweet-and-savory twist, try the cookies with mild creamy cheese and fruit, blue cheese, or a spoonful of cranberry jam. On Christmas Eve, they often appear as a welcoming treat alongside glögi before dinner. You can also decorate them simply with white royal icing, or leave them plain to show their golden-brown charm.
Baking Tips and Storage
Chill the gingerbread cookie dough for at least 3 hours or overnight. This makes it easier to roll and also deepens the flavor. Once baked, the cookies keep well in an airtight container for several days. In Finland, salted butter is typical. However, if using unsalted butter, add ½ teaspoon of salt. The dough also keeps in the fridge for 2–3 days, which makes it convenient to prepare ahead of time.
This recipe creates Finnish Gingerbread Cookies that capture the spirit of Nordic holiday baking. Whether enjoyed with glögi, coffee, or cheese, they are perfect for sharing and creating family memories.
Finnish Christmas traditions are full of comforting, flavorful dishes that bring family and friends together. If you’re looking for more ideas to complement your holiday table, you might explore recipes like Finnish Christmas Mulled Wine – Jouluglögi, Finnish wild mushroom salad, cured salmon, or Finnish Archipelago bread. Each of these dishes adds its own seasonal touch, helping to create the cozy, generous spirit that defines a Finnish Christmas celebration.
Share the Recipe
Finnish Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 150 g brown sugar
- 250 g dark syrup or mild molasses or dark treacle
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ – 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 – 1,5 tsp ground cardamom
- 150 g salted butter see note
- 1 medium sized egg
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 500-600 g all-purpose flour
Instructions
Make the spiced syrup:
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, syrup, and all the spices. Bring just to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add the baking soda:
- Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. Whisk untile the mixture will foam. That’s exactly what you want.
Combine with butter:
- Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and pour the hot spiced mixture over it. Whisk until the butter has completely melted.
Cool and add the egg:
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then whisk in the egg until smooth.
Add the flour:
- Gradually mix in the flour until a soft but firm dough forms.
Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Roll and bake:
- Preheat the oven to 225°C (435°F).
- Roll out a portion of the dough on a floured surface until thin, cut into shapes, and bake for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and serve:
- Cool the cookies on a wire rack. You can decorate them with icing — or enjoy their simple, golden beauty just as they are.
Notes
They’re also delicious on a festive cheese board — especially alongside aged cheddar, goat cheese or blue cheese. 💡 Notes In Finland, salted butter is commonly used in baking.
If using unsalted butter, add ½ teaspoon of salt to the dough. The dough keeps well in the refrigerator for so you can bake the cookies in batches or prepare the dough ahead of time.
