Piparkakut - Finnish Ginger Cookies

Piparkakuts are a traditional holiday cookie in Finland. They are usually cut into round scallop shapes, but little boys and pigs are the traditional shapes during the holidays. I found this recipe on the internet and I can't wait to give it a try soon! --NOTE-- cooking time includes cooling time and chilling time.

• Ready In: 12 hrs 30 mins
• Yields: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups butter (no substitute)
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 cup dark corn syrup
• 3  teaspoons cinnamon
• 3  teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon allspice
• 3  teaspoons orange zest
• 2  eggs, slightly beaten
• 2  teaspoons baking soda
• 5  cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Combine butter, sugar, corn syrup and spices in a saucepan.
2. Over low-medium heat, stir ingredients constantly until ingredients look like they are about to boil.
3. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
4. Allow sugar mixture to cool to room temperature.
5. Stirring occasionally might help speed up this process.
6. Stir eggs into cooled sugar mixture.
7. Sift flour and baking soda together and add to sugar mixture.
8. Mix well.
9. Roll dough into a ball.
10. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours or overnight.
11. Split dough into 2 parts; Roll dough about 1/4-inch thick on a clean, floured surface.
12. Cut into desired shapes.
13. Bake in preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
14. Cookies can be left plain, or decorated with pipped icing.
15. NOTE: This makes a crisp cookie, if a softer cookie is desired you may substitute brown sugar for the granulated sugar.