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Pfeffernus Cookies - Spiced Cookies

Jeremy Nolen
Pfeffernüsse cookies, a beloved holiday treat in Germany and parts of Europe, are small, spiced cookies that capture the essence of festive baking. Their name, meaning "pepper nuts," refers to the warm, peppery spices used in the dough and their nut-like shape. Traditionally flavored with a mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and often a hint of black or white pepper, these cookies are rich in aromatic complexity.
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Course Dessert
Cuisine German
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

Mixture (Cook Until Creamy and Cool to Room Temperature)

  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • Add 2 eggs once cooled and set aside

Cookie Batter

  • 4 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 1/2 tsp anise seeds
  • 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Combine molasses, honey, and butter in a small saucepan. Turn heat on med-low and cook until butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat, and set aside until cooled to room temperature.
  • In a medium sized bowl, add all the dry ingredients. Stir carefully with a whisk or spoon until combined.
  • When the sugar mixture is cooled, pour into a mixer bowl fitted with a paddle, and turn speed to low.
  • Crack the eggs in a separate, small bowl ensuring there are no shells. Using a fork, break the yolk and carefully whisk the egg slightly. Pour into the mixer bowl, and continue to mix on low until well combined.
  • While the mixer is off, carefully begin pouring the flour/spice mixture on top of the sugar/egg mixture.
  • Mix on med-low speed until there are no more dry ingredients visible, scraping the bowl occasionally.
  • After the dough is well mixed, dump into a sealable container and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350*F. Prepare a sheet tray with parchment or silpat if you have one.
  • Remove dough from the refrigerator, scoop and roll into acorn sized balls, and place on the prepared sheet tray.
  • Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops begin to crack slightly. Be sure to spin your tray half way through baking to ensure even cooking.
  • When the cookies are done baking, remove from the oven and leave on the tray while you prepare the powdered sugar.
  • In a shallow bowl, dump about 1 cup of powdered sugar, and spread evenly.
  • Using a metal spatula, carefully lift the slightly warm cookie, and place into powdered sugar. With your hands, gently move, and flip the cookie until completely covered in powdered sugar. You can put a few at a time to speed up the process.
  • Shake off extra sugar, and place on a serving dish.
Keyword christmas cookies, christmas goose, christmas recipes, german cookies, german desserts, pfeffernuss, pfeffernuss cookies
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