Paprenjaci - Croatian Spiced Pepper Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 5g (2g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 18g (10g sugars)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
2. 2.
   Add the softened butter and honey to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the dough comes together.
3. 3.
   Add the beaten egg to the dough and mix until fully incorporated.
4. 4.
   Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
7. 7.
   Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
11. 11.
    Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor. If the honey is too thick, gently warm it before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of black pepper slightly.
• If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve Paprenjaci cookies alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. They are perfect for dipping and make a delightful treat during festive occasions or as an afternoon snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Paprenjaci cookies on a decorative platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also place a few whole spices, such as cinnamon sticks or cloves, as garnish.