Black Pepper Cookies (Paprenjaci) are traditional Croatian cookies dating back to 16th century during the Renaissance. They are made with honey, walnuts, black pepper and spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Paprenjaci are square-shaped and decorated with mold-pressed motifs with symbols such as fish, wheat, sun, fruit and flowers. In old times they were baked throughout the year, but nowadays it is a family tradition in many Croatian homes to make them for Christmas.
I was a bit scared working with wooden molds because I thought it would be complicated. But, actually, it was pretty easy. The most important thing is to dust the dough with some flour before pressing the mold, so that it does not stick. If you don’t have wooden molds – don’t worry. You can cut Black Pepper Cookies with your regular cookie cutters.
These cookies can be stored for up to 6 weeks, kept in an airtight container. In time they will become softer.

- 450 g flour 3 1/2 cups
- 180 g lard or margarine 1 1/2 stick or 1/2 cup + 4 Tbsp
- 150 g sugar 3/4 cup
- 2-3 Tbsp honey
- 1 egg whole
- 3 egg yolks
- 150 g walnuts ground, 1 1/2 cups
- 2 tsp gingerbread spice (or your own blend of cinnamon cloves and nutmeg)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- a pinch of salt
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Combine all ingredients to make a dough. Put in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
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Put the dough on a floured board. Roll about 5-7 mm (1/5 - 1/4 inch) thick and lightly dust with flour. Stamp with a wooden mold and cut with a knife. If you don’t have a mold, cut cookies with cookie cutters.
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Put on greased baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes in 200 C (390 F) oven. Serve with tea, cocoa or eggnog.
what an interesting cookie. definitely will try it
Pepper! My favorite food!! Will make these soon.
Great! I hope you’ll like it.
this is so delicious – I made these today and shared them and everybody loved them. the spices used are just like the ones we use in a Caribbean dessert called pone. My Mom absolutely adored these with the same flavors but in cookie form!
Great, Mireille! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
just wanted to let you know I posted these on my blog today with a linkback to your recipe – http://www.eastwestrealm.com/2014/09/paprenjaci.html
Great, Mireille! I just check your cookies and they look very pretty 🙂