Traditional Croatian Christmas Pepper Cookies (Paprenjak) – Warm Spice & Holiday Spirit

There’s something magical about those cozy winter days when the scent of toasted walnuts and cinnamon fills the air, the heater hums softly, and a warm cup of mulled wine waits by the window as snowflakes gently fall outside. This is the atmosphere that inspires the traditional Croatian paprenjak — spicy pepper cookies that are a festive staple during the holiday season, rich in warming spices and nostalgia.

🕒 Prep & Baking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approx. 22 cookies

📝 Ingredients

60 g unsalted butter
1 heaping teaspoon lard
250 g all-purpose flour
110 g ground walnuts
60 g sugar
60 ml honey
1 egg
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 whole cloves (ground or crushed finely)
1 heaping teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

🔪 Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- Beat the butter with the lard until fluffy and creamy.
- Add sugar, honey, and egg, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add flour, ground walnuts, and all the spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and freshly ground pepper.
- Knead with your hands until the dough no longer sticks and forms a smooth, cohesive ball.
Chill:
- Shape the dough into a log or roll.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to firm up.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Slice the chilled dough into 0.5 cm thick rounds.
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes total, flipping halfway through after 10 minutes for even browning.
Store:
- Once cooled, store cookies in paper bags or airtight containers.
- Allow them to rest for 1–2 days — this enhances their texture, making them wonderfully tender and aromatic.

💡 Tips & Serving Suggestions

Use fresh spices and grind cloves yourself if possible — it intensifies the flavor beautifully.
These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of mulled wine, spiced tea, or even a robust coffee.
Try decorating with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of honey for a festive touch.
Paprenjak cookies keep very well, making them great for gifting during the holidays.

🧾 Final Thoughts

Paprenjak cookies are a heartfelt reminder of winter warmth and festive traditions from Croatia. Their unique blend of sweet, nutty, and peppery spice flavors creates an enchanting taste experience that complements the coziness of holiday gatherings. Simple to prepare yet packed with character, these cookies deserve a place on your holiday baking list — a bite of history wrapped in fragrant spices and tender crumb.