Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a classic holiday treat that bursts with warm spices and a touch of sweetness, this Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe is the perfect bake to cozy up your kitchen. These delightful little spiced cookies, dusted generously with confectioners’ sugar, offer a wonderful balance of peppery warmth and molasses-rich depth that keeps everyone coming back for more. They’re not just cookies; they’re a flavorful journey wrapped in spice, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee during crisp winter days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe calls for simple yet flavor-packed ingredients that come together to create that unmistakable rich and spicy profile. Each item plays a crucial role in the cookie’s texture, aromatic character, and overall deliciousness.
- Molasses (½ cup): Adds that deep, robust sweetness and moisture to the dough.
- Honey (¼ cup): Enhances natural sweetness while contributing to the chewy texture.
- Shortening (¼ cup): Helps keep the cookies tender with a light crumb.
- Margarine (¼ cup): Works with shortening to boost richness and flavor depth.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients and give structure to the cookies.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The base providing body and balance to all those spices.
- White sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and assists in browning.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): For a hint of caramel flavor and moistness.
- Anise extract (2 teaspoons): Imparts a lovely licorice-like aroma essential to Pfeffernusse.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings warm spice notes that invite comfort.
- Ground cardamom (1½ teaspoons): Provides a fragrant, citrusy spice kick.
- Baking soda (1½ teaspoons): Ensures proper rising and a tender crumb.
- Ground cloves (1 teaspoon): Adds deep, slightly sweet earthiness.
- Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle nutty and spicy flavor.
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Lends warmth and a little zing.
- Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): The secret touch that adds a bright peppery warmth unique to this cookie.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the spices.
- Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): For the classic snowy dusting on top of the baked cookies.
How to Make Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Molasses Mixture
Begin by gently heating molasses, honey, shortening, and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until this mixture becomes creamy and wonderfully smooth. Remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before beating in the eggs. This step infuses the dough with a rich, sweet foundation that really shines in the finished cookies.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While the molasses mixture cools, whisk together the flour, both sugars, anise extract, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Combining these spices and leavening agents evenly ensures every bite of your Pfeffernusse will have that perfectly balanced burst of flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Chill the Dough
Pour the molasses mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly until the dough is combined and slightly sticky. This step brings all elements together into one harmonious dough, rich in both scent and flavor. Once mixed, cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about two hours—that chill helps with shaping and lets the spices really meld.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the chilled dough into small, acorn-sized balls and arrange them about an inch apart on baking sheets. These petite cookies bake evenly and develop those charming little cracks on top that signal they’re perfectly done. Bake them for 10 to 15 minutes until firm but still tender inside.
Step 5: Cool and Finish
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks. Once fully cooled, dust with a generous coating of confectioners’ sugar, giving each cookie that classic Pfeffernusse snowy appearance that invites you to take your first bite.
How to Serve Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Pfeffernusse cookies look and taste incredible when dusted with powdered sugar, but for an extra touch, consider a light drizzle of honey glaze or a sprinkle of chopped candied orange peel. These take the warmth and sweetness to the next level and add a charming decorative flair perfect for gifting or party displays.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with hot beverages like chai tea, coffee, or mulled cider. A simple bowl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can transform your Pfeffernusse into a festive dessert experience. Anything warm and cozy complements their spicy, rich flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange Pfeffernusse cookies in decorative tins tied with seasonal ribbons for holiday gifting. You can also create a beautiful cookie platter, alternating with other spiced treats. Serving them layered between parchment paper in a jar or basket makes a thoughtful and inviting hostess gift that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying a batch, store any leftover Pfeffernusse cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to two weeks, allowing the spices to deepen even more with time, making each bite increasingly flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to save your cookies for longer, Pfeffernusse freeze beautifully. Place the cooled, un-dusted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. When wrapped well, they stay fresh for up to three months.
Reheating
To refresh frozen Pfeffernusse cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature. For a just-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Be cautious not to overheat, as you want to maintain their tender, chewy texture.
FAQs
What makes Pfeffernusse cookies different from other spice cookies?
Pfeffernusse stand out because of their distinctive blend of spices, including black pepper which adds a subtle kick, and anise extract, which imparts a unique licorice flavor. Combined with molasses and honey, these elements create a complex, comforting profile that’s hard to find in typical spice cookies.
Can I substitute ingredients if I don’t have shortening or margarine?
Yes! Butter can be used as a substitute, although it may slightly alter the texture and flavor, making the cookies a bit denser and richer. The original recipe uses shortening and margarine to keep the cookies light and soft.
Why is the dough chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll into small balls without sticking. It also helps the flavors meld together and prevents spreading during baking, resulting in nicely shaped cookies with a perfect crackled top.
Are Pfeffernusse gluten-free?
Traditional Pfeffernusse cookies are made with all-purpose wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a similar texture, but results may vary.
How long do Pfeffernusse cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to two weeks at room temperature, maintaining flavor and freshness. They actually get better as the spices continue developing over time.
Final Thoughts
This Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe is a timeless favorite I love sharing because it perfectly captures the spirit of cozy, spiced baking. Once you taste these delightfully tender, peppery-sweet gems, I’m sure they’ll become a cherished staple in your kitchen and holiday traditions. So get ready to fill your home with irresistible aromas and enjoy every bite with those you care about!
Print
Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
Pfeffernusse Cookies are traditional German spice cookies known for their rich blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and a distinctive hint of black pepper. These soft, chewy cookies are sweetened with molasses and honey, providing a deep, complex flavor profile. Perfectly dusted with confectioners’ sugar, Pfeffernusse are a beloved holiday treat that offers a delightful balance of spicy and sweet with a tender texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup molasses
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¼ cup margarine
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons anise extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Dusting
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Molasses Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the molasses, honey, shortening, and margarine. Cook and stir until the mixture becomes creamy. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, beat in the eggs until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, brown sugar, anise extract, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, baking soda, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground black pepper, and salt. Ensure all spices and leavening agents are evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the cooled molasses mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough is thoroughly combined and forms a uniform consistency. Once mixed, cover and refrigerate the dough for about 2 hours to chill and firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Shape Cookies: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). After chilling, roll the dough into small balls about the size of an acorn. Place the balls onto baking sheets, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are firm and display slight cracking on the tops. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled completely, dust them generously with confectioners’ sugar to give a festive and sweet finish. Serve and enjoy your classic Pfeffernusse cookies!
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to develop flavor and ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- If you prefer a stronger anise flavor, you can adjust the amount of anise extract to your taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies or dough balls before baking for future use.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats on your baking sheets for easy removal and cleanup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
