Świąteczne Pierniki: Traditional Polish Christmas Gingerbread

Świąteczne pierniki, or Polish Christmas gingerbread cookies, are a timeless holiday treat. These aromatic, spiced cookies are a cherished tradition in Polish households, symbolizing warmth and festivity during the Christmas season. Perfect for decorating or gifting, pierniki offer a delightful way to bring family and friends together. Whether you prefer them soft and chewy or crisp and crunchy, this recipe will guide you to create your own festive masterpiece.

Ingredients
3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
1/4 cup (60 g) butter, unsalted
1 large egg
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
A pinch of salt
Directions
Prepare the Dough:

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the honey, sugar, and butter together, stirring until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
Add the melted honey mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Chill the Dough:

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
Roll and Cut:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Use festive cookie cutters to shape the pierniki.
Bake:

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Decorate (Optional):

Decorate the pierniki with royal icing, chocolate glaze, or sprinkles to add a festive touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: Serve pierniki with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also make charming edible ornaments or thoughtful holiday gifts.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Variations
Soft Pierniki: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream to the dough for a softer texture.
Chocolate-Coated: Dip the cookies partially or fully in melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, into the dough for added crunch and flavor.
Vegan Pierniki: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) instead of a regular