Tradycyjne Pierniczki: A Taste of Polish Tradition

Polish pierniczki (gingerbread cookies) are a beloved holiday tradition, perfect for adding warmth and sweetness to your festive season. These aromatic cookies are known for their rich blend of spices and soft, chewy texture. Whether decorating the Christmas tree or sharing with family and friends, pierniczki offer a delightful way to celebrate Polish culture and cuisine.

Ingredients
500 g (4 cups) of all-purpose flour
200 g (1 cup) of sugar
150 g (2/3 cup) of honey
100 g (1/2 cup) of butter
2 large eggs
2 tsp of baking soda
1 tbsp of ground cinnamon
1 tsp of ground ginger
1 tsp of ground cloves
1 tsp of ground nutmeg
A pinch of salt
Optional: melted chocolate, royal icing, or sprinkles for decoration
Directions
Prepare the Dough
In a small saucepan, melt the butter, honey, and sugar over low heat, stirring until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the cooled honey mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Roll and Shape
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 5 mm (1/4 inch) thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, hearts, or trees.

Bake
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Decorate
Once cooled, decorate your pierniczki with melted chocolate, royal icing, or colorful sprinkles as desired.