Pfeffernüsse Cookies
Pfeffernüsse are small, traditional German spiced cookies commonly eaten during the Christmas season. Their name literally means “pepper nuts”—they’re typically flavored with warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise, and sometimes black or white pepper.Despite the “nuts” in the name, they don’t necessarily contain nuts; the word may refer to their small, nut-like shape. They’re often made with honey or molasses and covered with powdered sugar or a thin white glaze. The texture can range from crisp to dense and chewy, and they often soften as they age.Similar versions are also popular in the Netherlands and Denmark.
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Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey or molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk plus more as needed
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Beat in the honey, egg, and vanilla. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Heat the oven: Preheat to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape: Divide the dough into 24 portions, about 1 tablespoon each. Roll into balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Flatten each one very slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until set and lightly browned underneath. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Dip the tops of the completely cooled cookies into the glaze, then let them stand until dry.
- Store in an airtight container. The cookies become softer and more flavorful after a day or two.
Disclaimer
Some parts or all of recipe maybe AI-generated. Recipe pictures are examples of recipe and represent no affiliation with photographer.
Nutrition
Calories: 105kcal (5%)Carbohydrates: 21g (7%)Protein: 1g (2%)Fat: 4g (6%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 18mg (6%)Sodium: 53mg (2%)Potassium: 27mg (1%)Fiber: 0.3g (1%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 132IU (3%)Vitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 10mg (1%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Disclaimer
Nutritional information for this recipe is an approximation and is not to be construed as medical advice.
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