Gingerbread Cookies — Czech Pernik na Figurky

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 45 mins

Total: 65 mins

Servings: 36 servings

Yield: 36 cookies

This recipe for Czech gingerbread cookies or pernik na figurky is adapted from Joza Brizova's (Crown Publishers Inc., 1965).

Czech gingerbread cookies are popular at Christmas time when they become part of vanocni cukrovi (vah-NAWTCH-nee koo-KRAW-vee) or Christmas sweets.

Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/4 cups sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 tablespoons honey, warm

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 tablespoon rum

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Icing, optional

Steps to Make It

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda until thoroughly mixed. Add honey, eggs, rum, and zest and form a smooth dough. Wrap in plastic and let rest at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat oven to 325 F. Roll dough 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick between two pieces of parchment paper. Remove top parchment paper and cut out various shapes, leaving 2 inches between cookies. Remove scraps. Lift parchment paper by opposite corners and place on a sheet pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden at the edges. Cool completely on the pan before removing to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough and dough scraps.

3. When cookies are completely cool, decorate with icing, if desired. Let icing harden before storing in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers.