Traditional Latvian Gingerbread Cookies

This recipe for Latvian gingerbread cookies offers a delightful mix of spices, sweetness, and crispiness, perfect for the festive season. These cookies are made with a blend of traditional spices that give them their characteristic flavor and aroma. The dough is infused with dark sugar syrup and butter, creating a rich base that complements the warm spices. After mixing, the dough is left to rest, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. These cookies are not only a treat for the palate but also bring an aromatic holiday scent to your home. Easy to shape, they can be customized using various cookie cutters, making them great for holiday decoration or gifting. They offer a wonderful crunch when bitten but remain soft immediately after baking. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a standalone snack, these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, they embody the spirit of warmth and comfort.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Approximately 500g of dough:
• 50 ml water
• 50 ml dark sugar syrup
• 75 g butter
• 125 ml sugar (preferably brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Approximately 400 g flour, until the dough no longer sticks to hands

Spices:

• Half a packet of Santa Maria gingerbread spice mix

Preparation Time

• Total: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and syrup. Heat gently until the sugar is completely melted.
2. Add butter to the melted sugar mixture, stirring continuously until fully melted.
3. Sprinkle in the baking soda, stirring vigorously. The mixture will puff up and lighten in color.
4. Continue heating for an additional 2-3 minutes before removing from heat.
5. Stir in the gingerbread spice mix, ensuring it's well incorporated.
6. Gradually add flour to the mixture. For best results, add one spoonful at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding more.
7. Knead the dough until it is smooth and slightly sticky. It should not be dry or floury.
8. Place the dough in a plastic bag and leave it at room temperature for a few hours. For a deeper flavor, let it rest until the next day.
9. Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking paper to achieve a very thin layer.
10. Use cookie cutters to create shapes and bake on a lined tray at 200°C (approximately 392°F) for about 5 minutes.
11. The cookies will slightly puff up during baking.
12. Freshly baked cookies will be soft; they will become crisp as they cool after being removed from the baking tray.
13. Allow cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
14. Before serving, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
15. For a chocolate twist, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and let it set.
16. Decorate with colorful sugar sprinkles or edible glitter to enhance visual appeal.
17. Serve them with a glass of warm milk or a cup of spiced tea.
18. Storing the cookies in a tin lined with small parchment paper sheets helps them stay crisp.
19. Wrap a few cookies in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
20. Enjoy these with loved ones, capturing the essence of holiday traditions in every bite.

Tips

• Use brown sugar: It adds depth and richness to the flavor.
• Chill dough before baking for more precise shapes.
• Experiment with spices, like adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.

Nutritions

• Calories: 80 per cookie
• Protein: 1 g
• Fats: 2 g
• Carbs: 15 g

Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour mix.
• Vegan version: Use a plant-based butter and replace sugar syrup with agave syrup.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with hot cocoa or mulled wine.
• Serve with a selection of cheeses and preserved fruits for a sophisticated twist.
• Decorate as an activity with children using icing and sprinkles.

Best Places

1. Cafe Dundura - Cozy spot serving traditional Latvian treats. Location: Āgenskalna tirgus, Latvia
2. Riga Cookie House - Known for gluten-free and vegan options. Location: Skārņu iela 11, Riga, Latvia
3. Mikuška Bakery - Celebrated for their unique blend of spices in cookies. Location: Tērbatas iela 45, Riga, Latvia
4. Lauku Baudi - Offers a rustic vibe with freshly baked goods. Location: Miera iela 10, Valmiera, Latvia
5. Konditoreja Sala - Established spot with a variety of gingerbread options. Location: Brīvības iela 18, Ventspils, Latvia
6. Ziedoņdārzs Cafe - A garden cafe beloved for its festive cookies. Location: Kāpu iela 4, Jūrmala, Latvia
7. Cookie Art Cafe - Artistic and custom-designed cookies. Location: Rīgas iela 22, Jelgava, Latvia
8. Pepper Cafe - Known for spicing up traditional recipes. Location: Blaumaņa iela 7, Riga, Latvia
9. Tavi Mīļie Cepumi - Features cookies with contemporary twists. Location: Peldu iela 9, Cēsis, Latvia
10. Rakstnieka Ligzda - Literature-themed cafe perfect for a cozy cookie treat. Location: Lāčplēša iela 15, Liepāja, Latvia