Paprenjak
Paprenjak is a traditional Croatian biscuit, known especially in the Zagorje region and the capital Zagreb, where it is closely tied to winter celebrations and Christmas markets. The name comes from the Croatian word for pepper, the ingredient that pleasantly surprises beneath the honey's sweetness. This unusual combination of sweet and spicy has roots stretching back to the Middle Ages, when expensive spices were a sign of wealth, and biscuits pressed in carved wooden molds were often wedding gifts or souvenirs from traditional fairs. Today, paprenjak remains a symbol of Croatian culinary heritage, officially recognized as a protected traditional product.
Honey-based dough
Honey warmed with sugar forms the sweet, dense base of the dough.
Surprising black pepper
Ground black pepper gives an unexpected spicy note beneath the honey sweetness.
Festive spices
Cinnamon and cloves round out the warm, complex aroma.
Pressed decorative shapes
The dough is pressed into carved wooden molds with traditional patterns.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 300g honey
- 100g sugar
- 500g flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 50g butter
- 1 egg for glazing
How to make it
- 1Warm the honey over low heat together with the sugar and butter, stirring until fully melted, without letting the mixture boil.
- 2Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 3In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking soda, black pepper, cinnamon and ground cloves.
- 4Pour the warm honey over the flour mixture and knead quickly, until a dense, homogeneous dough forms.
- 5Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for one hour.
- 6Roll out the dough to about 1cm thickness and press it into carved wooden molds or cut with simple shapes.
- 7Place the biscuits on a lined baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake at 180°C for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
