Spiced Holiday Pfeffernüsse Cookies
Delight in the flavors of the season with these traditional German Pfeffernüsse cookies, renowned for their enchanting blend of spices and hints of black pepper. These festive treats showcase a rich combination of molasses and honey, creating a soft texture that transforms beautifully with time. Initially soft right out of the oven, they harden as they cool but soften again after being stored. Rolled in powdered sugar, these cookies are not only a delightful holiday treat but also great for sharing with family and friends. Best enjoyed after a couple of days in an airtight container, allowing the spices to fully develop their flavors, these cookies are a must-have for any festive gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
molasses
1/2 cup (sorghum molasses recommended)
honey
1/4 cup
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted)
eggs
2 (beaten)
anise extract
2 teaspoons
all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups
white sugar
1/2 cup
brown sugar
1/2 cup
cinnamon
2 teaspoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon
baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons
ground cardamom
1 1/2 teaspoons
ginger
1 teaspoon
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1 teaspoon
ground cloves
1 teaspoon
allspice
1 teaspoon (ground)
confectionery sugar
1 cup (more if needed for rolling)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, honey, and molasses. Heat over low heat, stirring gently until the butter is melted. Avoid boiling. Once melted, remove from heat and allow to cool.
2
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and anise extract until well blended. Slowly incorporate this mixture into the cooled honey mixture, stirring until fully combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, ground cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, ground cloves, and allspice until evenly mixed.
4
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour until manageable.
5
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 3 hours to firm up.
6
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
7
Once chilled, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter). For added fun, use cookie cutters to create festive shapes as well.
8
Place the formed cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space in between for expansion.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may seem soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
10
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11
Once cooled, roll the cookies in confectionery sugar until fully coated.
12
Store in an airtight container, allowing them to sit for a couple of days before enjoying to enhance the flavors and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Holiday Pfeffernüsse Cookies?
They are traditional German cookies known for an enchanting blend of spices, including black pepper, molasses, and honey.
What is the characteristic texture of these cookies?
These cookies are initially soft right out of the oven, harden as they cool, and then soften again after being stored.
How should Pfeffernüsse cookies be stored?
They should be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days to allow the spices to fully develop.
What type of molasses is recommended?
Sorghum molasses is recommended for the best flavor in this recipe.
Is honey used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/4 cup of honey combined with molasses and butter.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
How should the honey and molasses mixture be heated?
Combine the butter, honey, and molasses in a saucepan over low heat until melted, but avoid boiling the mixture.
What flavor does the extract provide?
Anise extract is used to provide a distinct, licorice-like herbal note to the cookies.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
What kind of flour is used?
3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour are used as the base for the dough.
Are there different types of sugar in the dough?
Yes, the recipe uses both 1/2 cup of white sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
Why is black pepper included in the ingredients?
Black pepper is a traditional ingredient in Pfeffernüsse that adds a unique, subtle heat to the spice blend.
What other spices are included in the mix?
The spice blend includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can gradually add a little more flour until it becomes manageable.
How long must the dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for about 3 hours to firm up.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) before baking.
How do I prepare the baking sheets?
Line the baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly.
What size should I roll the cookie dough balls?
Roll the dough into small balls approximately 1-inch in diameter.
Can I make different shapes with this dough?
Yes, once chilled, you can use cookie cutters to create festive shapes instead of rolling balls.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Will the cookies be firm when I take them out of the oven?
The centers may seem soft when removed from the oven, but they will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
What is the final coating for the cookies?
The cooled cookies are rolled in confectionery (powdered) sugar until fully coated.
How much confectionery sugar is needed?
The recipe suggests 1 cup, but you may use more if needed for rolling.
When is the best time to eat these cookies?
They are best enjoyed after sitting in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, they are described as a delightful holiday treat great for sharing with family and friends.
Does the recipe use baking powder or baking soda?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda as the leavening agent.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 distinct ingredients used to make these cookies.
Is salt included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is whisked in with the dry ingredients.
What makes these cookies festive?
Their traditional German heritage, rich spice profile, and snowy powdered sugar coating make them a holiday staple.