Piparkakut - Finnish Ginger Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups butter (no substitute)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 3 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. 1

   Combine butter, sugar, corn syrup and spices in a saucepan.

2. 2

   Over low-medium heat, stir ingredients constantly until ingredients look like they are about to boil.

3. 3

   Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.

4. 4

   Allow sugar mixture to cool to room temperature.

5. 5

   Stirring occasionally might help speed up this process.

6. 6

   Stir eggs into cooled sugar mixture.

7. 7

   Sift flour and baking soda together and add to sugar mixture.

8. 8

   Mix well.

9. 9

   Roll dough into a ball.

10. 10

    Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours or overnight.

11. 11

    Split dough into 2 parts; Roll dough about 1/4-inch thick on a clean, floured surface.

12. 12

    Cut into desired shapes.

13. 13

    Bake in preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until firm to the touch.

14. 14

    Cookies can be left plain, or decorated with pipped icing.

15. 15

    NOTE: This makes a crisp cookie, if a softer cookie is desired you may substitute brown sugar for the granulated sugar.