Spiced Christmas Pfeffernüsse Cookies
Experience the magic of the holidays with these delightful German Pfeffernüsse cookies, a cherished festive tradition! These spiced, chewy cookies, which feature a robust blend of warming spices, are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enhanced by the deep, rich flavor of regular molasses, these treats offer a beautifully dark hue and an unforgettable aroma. Dust them in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, making them an eye-catching addition to your holiday cookie platter.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
salt
1 pinch (none)
baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
anise seed
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon (none)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
molasses
1/4 cup (light or regular)
egg
1 (none)
powdered sugar
to taste (for rolling baked cookies)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pinch of salt, baking soda, ground black pepper, crushed anise seed, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Set aside the dry ingredients.
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and molasses until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until well combined.
3
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, beating just until everything is blended together. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
4
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease your baking sheets to prevent sticking.
5
Once the dough is chilled, roll it into 1.5-inch balls, placing them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
6
After baking, allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before gently rolling them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. Transfer to wire cooling racks and let them cool completely before storing.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
10g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Christmas Pfeffernüsse Cookies?
They are traditional German holiday cookies characterized by their robust blend of warming spices, chewy texture, and a snowy powdered sugar coating.
What gives these cookies their unique spiced flavor?
The unique flavor comes from a combination of cinnamon, anise seed, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and a distinctive hint of ground black pepper.
Why is black pepper included in the ingredients?
Black pepper is a traditional ingredient in Pfeffernüsse that provides a subtle, warm kick, giving the cookies their name, which translates to 'pepper nuts'.
What type of molasses should be used?
Regular or light molasses can be used, though regular molasses provides a deeper flavor and a richer dark hue.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these cookies?
Each serving contains 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Do these cookies contain protein?
Yes, each serving contains 1 gram of protein.
How should the anise seed be prepared?
The anise seed should be crushed before being whisked into the dry flour mixture.
Does the dough need to be chilled?
Yes, the dough must be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up before rolling.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The cookies should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until they are set.
What size should the dough balls be?
Roll the dough into balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
How far apart should I place the cookies on the baking sheet?
Place the dough balls two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
When should I roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm, after they have cooled for just a few minutes on the baking sheet.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened butter for proper creaming.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan?
Grease your baking sheets thoroughly before placing the dough balls on them.
Is an electric mixer necessary?
An electric mixer is recommended to cream the butter, sugar, and molasses until light and fluffy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including various spices, pantry staples, and the powdered sugar coating.
What is the first step in making these cookies?
The first step is whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda, and all the spices.
Can I substitute the anise seed?
While anise is traditional, it is a key flavor component of Pfeffernüsse; omitting it will change the authentic taste.
What is the final texture of the cookie?
These cookies are designed to be chewy rather than crisp.
Should the egg be beaten before adding to the mix?
No, you can add the egg directly to the creamed butter mixture and beat until well combined.
At what speed should the flour be added?
Reduce the mixer speed to low when gradually adding the flour mixture to avoid overmixing.
Where should the cookies cool completely?
After the initial cooling on the pan and rolling in sugar, transfer the cookies to wire cooling racks.
Why are these cookies popular for Christmas?
Their warming spices, festive appearance, and traditional German heritage make them a holiday favorite.
Is there a specific amount of powdered sugar needed?
The powdered sugar is used 'to taste' for rolling the baked cookies to achieve a snowy finish.
Can these be part of a cookie platter?
Yes, their white powdered sugar coating makes them an eye-catching and festive addition to any holiday cookie platter.