Spiced Black Pepper Butter Cookies
Discover the delightful twist of Spiced Black Pepper Butter Cookies, a beloved family recipe that's a holiday favorite. Inspired by a treasure of cookies gifted from a friend's mother during our college days, these cookies bring an unexpected burst of flavor to your holiday baking. With their sweet, buttery texture complemented by a subtle kick from finely ground black pepper, they offer a unique taste experience that will leave everyone asking for your secret ingredient. Originally found in a vintage Watkins spices cookbook, this recipe has been perfected for years, ensuring a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Each cookie is sprinkled with a touch of extra sugar, creating a beautiful finish and a hint of crunch. Artists in the kitchen will love the way simple ingredients combine to create such a memorable treat. Perfect for sharing during the festive season or for cozy gatherings, these cookies are the ultimate accompaniment for your favorite beverages.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (measured)
granulated sugar
1 cup (measured)
sweet unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
large egg
1 (beaten)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (measured)
pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
finely ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (measured)
extra sugar
for dipping (for glass)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line three large ungreased cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
In a heavy-duty mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and finely ground black pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
4
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, beating until just incorporated and forming a soft dough.
5
Roll the dough into 1/2 inch-sized balls, placing 16 balls evenly spaced on each cookie sheet.
6
Dip the base of a drinking glass into extra sugar and gently flatten each dough ball with the glass, creating an even layer.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Be cautious not to overbake, as you want a soft center.
8
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Black Pepper Butter Cookies?
They are a beloved family holiday favorite featuring a sweet, buttery texture complemented by a subtle kick from finely ground black pepper.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe was originally found in a vintage Watkins spices cookbook and was inspired by cookies gifted from a friend's mother.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sweet unsalted butter, a large egg, baking soda, pure vanilla extract, finely ground black pepper, and extra sugar.
How much black pepper is used in these cookies?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely ground black pepper.
What is the secret to the unique flavor of these cookies?
The secret ingredient is the finely ground black pepper, which provides an unexpected burst of flavor and a subtle kick.
How should I prepare the cookie sheets?
Use three large ungreased cookie sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
What size should I roll the dough balls into?
Roll the dough into 1/2 inch-sized balls.
How many cookies should be placed on each sheet?
Place 16 balls evenly spaced on each cookie sheet.
How do I flatten the dough balls?
Dip the base of a drinking glass into extra sugar and gently flatten each dough ball to create an even layer.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Should the cookies be soft or crunchy in the middle?
The cookies should have a soft center; be careful not to overbake them.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of sweet unsalted butter, softened.
How do I cool the cookies after baking?
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks before serving.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a sweet, buttery texture with a hint of crunch from the extra sugar finish.
When is the best time to serve these cookies?
They are perfect for sharing during the festive holiday season or for cozy gatherings.
How should I mix the butter and sugar?
In a heavy-duty mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What is the purpose of the extra sugar?
The extra sugar is used for dipping the glass to flatten the cookies, providing a beautiful finish and a hint of crunch.
Can I use a regular mixer for this recipe?
A heavy-duty mixer is recommended for creaming the butter and sugar properly.
Does this recipe include vanilla?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How much flour is needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups of measured all-purpose flour.
What is the role of baking soda in this recipe?
One teaspoon of baking soda is added to the wet mixture to help the cookies achieve the right texture.
Should the egg be prepared in a specific way?
The large egg should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
What kind of drinks pair well with these cookies?
These cookies are described as an ultimate accompaniment for your favorite beverages.
Is this a quick recipe to bake?
With a bake time of only 8-11 minutes per batch, it is a relatively quick process once the dough is rolled.
Why is parchment paper used?
Parchment paper is used on the cookie sheets to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
How many cups of sugar go into the cookie dough?
One cup of granulated sugar is creamed into the dough mixture.
Is the black pepper flavor overpowering?
No, it is described as a subtle kick that creates a delightful balance with the sweetness.
How long has this recipe been used?
The recipe has been perfected for years since its discovery in a vintage cookbook.
What should the edges of the cookies look like when done?
The edges should be lightly browned when they are ready to be removed from the oven.