7 types of Russian gingerbread from different regions (PHOTOS)

Every region brings something special to its own version of the ‘pryanik’ – aka Russian gingerbread: unique recipes, different shapes and patterns and even legends surrounding the confection. There are three main preparation methods: stamped (the pattern is made using a special wooden form), molded (figures are simply shaped by hand) and carved (shapes are cut out of dough).

1.Tula gingerbread

This is Russia's most famous stamped gingerbread – so beloved it even has its own monument in Tula. First mentioned in the late 17th century, it won the Grand Prix at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris.

Tula gingerbread comes in different shapes and weights, but the most common type is "rectangular" with jam or condensed milk filling. They are also decorated with intricate patterns on top.

2. Gorodets gingerbread

This small town in Nizhny Novgorod Region, like Tula, is known for its gingerbread industry. For several centuries, they have been making stamped gingerbread there. Gorodets craftsmen come up with intricate patterns and the gingerbread itself is made in impressive sizes.

3. Vyazma gingerbread

However, the gingerbread baked in Vyazma in Smolensk Region is, on the contrary, small, but it has always been produced in huge quantities. Back in the mid-19th century, as many as eight factories in this small town were engaged in the gingerbread business. It’s also stamped, but made from scalded dough. Almonds, peanuts and candied fruits are used for the filling.

4. ‘Kozuli’

Arkhangelsk Region is known for its animal-shaped gingerbread. ‘Kozuli’ is a ritual gingerbread of the Russian North. Since ancient times, they were baked for Christmas, weddings and other important dates. As a rule, ‘kozuli’ are made in the shape of goats, sheep and cows. It was believed that shaped gingerbreads become amulets for the home. In the center of Arkhangelsk, there is a ‘kozuli’ museum where you can try making this gingerbread yourself.

5. Rostov gingerbread

In this ancient town in Yaroslavl Region, they made different types of gingerbread, but they were especially famous for their intricate shaped confection. Wedding ‘pryanitsa’, as gingerbread was called there, was a honey cake with many gingerbread figures decorated with gold leaf. These figures were then given to guests.

Modern gingerbread masters also sometimes use edible gold, though only for special occasions.

6. Dmitrov gingerbread

In the town of Dmitrov, Moscow Region, they bake stamped gingerbread with fruit filling. They also hold an annual festival called ‘Dmitrovsky Pryanik’, where master classes teach this ancient craft.

7. Zaraysk ‘kovrizhka’ (‘honey cake’)

The Zaraysk ‘kovrizhka’ has been known since the 19th century and it is also one of Moscow Region’s gastronomic specialties. This honey cake resembles a large, soft gingerbread with the addition of spices, honey, raisins and candied fruits.