Latvians have many distinct dishes but a very popular one to bake at Christmas is Piparkukas. These gingerbread cookies are more soft, nicely spiced and so delicious. Christmas in Latvia cannot be imagined without baking tray upon tray of gingerbread (piparkūkas). It is a national pastime in the days leading up to Christmas. This is a wonderful Christmas cookie which my family prepare every year.
Ingredients :
170 gr OR 1/2 cup golden syrup
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cardamon/ nutmeg ( or you can use both)
125 gr OR 1/2 cup unsalted butter + 2 tbsp
4 eggs ( 2 for egg wash + 2 for the dough)
100 gr OR 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp bicarb soda
1 tsp warm water
375 gr OR 2 1/2 -3 cups of plain flour (plus extra for rolling)
The glaze
4 tbsp of milk
200 gr OR 2 cups of icing/powdered sugar
peppermint/orange/lemon ( all extra flavours you could add)
