Have you ever tried black pepper cookies? They have been high on the list in Croatia since the 16th century. That's right, you read it correctly! Paprenjak, a traditional Croatian cookie, dates back to the Renaissance. Their main ingredient is pepper, which gives them an unexpected spicy note. They have an aromatic taste that will surprise you. Your senses will be intoxicated by the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. 

Paprenjak is a journey we'd like to take you on. 

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What Is Paprenjak?

The traditional Croatian delicacy – paprenjak is a cookie, square in shape and decorated with embroidered patterns such as fish, wheat, fruit, or flowers. It is made by using traditional wooden molds that are quite specific to Croatia and can only be bought there. Details on the molds are really impressive; the wood carving work and prints will leave everyone speechless. Each of them is like a miniature work of art. There are also modern versions of paprenjak, such as gingerbread men, Christmas trees and stars. Most people, however, prefer the square shape. This mold for Croatian pepper cookies dates back 100 years.

Paprenjak is distinguished from other spiced cookies by two main ingredients: honey and black pepper. Pepper may seem strange in cookies, but it gives them just enough kick and defines the final flavor. Butter, eggs, nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg round out the rest of the ingredients. These ingredients work together perfectly to create a unique flavor.

As you might expect, the name 'Paprenjak' comes from the pepper (in Croatian: papar). In terms of texture, they are soft and brown when baked. Nowadays, paprenjak is reserved for Christmas as a special treat, rather than baked throughout the year. When you ask Croatians what their first thought is when you mention paprenjak, 90% will say Christmas. The whole family participates, especially the children who stamp symbols and shapes into the dough. Children who eat the most cookies during December will be good for the whole year next year, according to a legend.‍‍

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Paprenjak’s Origin

It is unknown where these pepper cookies came from. Neither the origin of these cookies nor who created them can be pinpointed with certainty. Several sources claim they date back to the 16th century during the Renaissance (some even say the 14th century).

The famous Croatian novelist August Šenoa also described Paprenjak in his renowned novel Zlatarevo zlato. Characters and the atmosphere of Zagreb streets in the 16th century give the story a special charm. Our first encounter with a baker of the best paprenjaks in town takes place on the first page of the novel. The following is a quote from the novel:

''And thus it came to pass that she was called the Paprenjak lady: over the length and breadth of the city there was not a woman, noble or common, who could bake paprenjaks in the way that Magda knew. Day in and day out there was a run on her paprenjaks, and the city judge Ivan Blažeković himself was known to leave a pretty penny in her purse every so often.'' – A. Šenoa, ''The Goldsmith’s Gold''

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Recipe

You can make these delicious Croatian pepper cookies yourself and taste, smell, and feel a bit of Croatia at home. There is a video accompanying the original recipe for paprenjak on Zagreb Tourist Board's website. Find the original recipe here.

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When in Croatia, search for Paprenjak in souvenir and delicacy shops across Croatia and in some better supermarkets. Or you can check the website with authentic Croatian food and order online.

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