Description
Pierniczki Staropolskie recipe for traditional Polish gingerbread cookies made with aged dough and warm spices.
Ingredients
Units Scale
- 2 cups (500 g) honey
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) butter
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
Instructions
- Heat the base mixture: Gently warm honey, sugar, and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Cool slightly: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool until it is warm but safe to handle.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom until evenly distributed.
- Mix wet and dry: Slowly pour the honey mixture into the flour mixture, stirring continuously to form a dough.
- Add eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth dough.
- Knead gently: Work the dough until it becomes soft and uniform, adding a little flour if it feels too sticky.
- Age the dough: Place the dough in an airtight container and store in a cool place for at least 2 weeks, preferably longer.
- Roll and cut: Roll the aged dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.
- Bake carefully: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until just firm, avoiding overbaking.
- Cool completely: Transfer cookies to a rack and allow them to cool before decorating or storing.
Notes
- Aging the dough is essential for authentic flavor.
- Store cookies with apple slices to keep them soft.
- Decorate with chocolate or royal icing for variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g