Spiced Pfeffernüsse Cookies with Sweet Sugar Coating
Indulge in the warm and aromatic flavors of traditional German Pfeffernüsse cookies, perfect for the holiday season or as a delightful treat any time of year. These soft, spiced cookies are infused with a selection of warming spices such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, creating a unique taste experience that will transport you to festive German markets. The cookies are rolled in a light dusting of powdered sugar, adding a sweet touch to their spicy profile. With the option to add a dash of anise oil for an extra depth of flavor, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month, making them a wonderful homemade gift for loved ones.
N/A
Servings
30
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
light molasses or corn syrup
3/4 cup (liquid)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted, melted)
eggs
2 (beaten)
all-purpose flour
4 1/2 cups (sifted)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (for dough)
baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons
cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
clove
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
black pepper
1 dash (freshly ground, optional)
powdered sugar
for coating
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the light molasses (or corn syrup) and butter. Stir the mixture until the butter is completely melted, then remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial as hot mixtures can cook the eggs when added.
2
Once the molasses mixture has cooled, whisk in the beaten eggs until well combined.
3
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and the spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and black pepper). If desired, add a dash of anise oil for a more complex flavor profile.
4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cooled molasses mixture, mixing thoroughly until a thick dough forms. If necessary, switch to a dough hook attachment on your mixer to aid in the blending process.
5
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a greased cookie sheet with parchment paper.
7
Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch round balls. Using a cookie scoop can help keep the sizes uniform.
8
Place the cookie balls onto the prepared cookie sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
9
While the cookies are still warm but not hot, place them in a paper bag filled with powdered sugar. Shake the bag gently to coat the cookies evenly with sugar.
10
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
1.2
Fat
4.7
Carbs
0.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Pfeffern sse cookies?
Pfeffern sse are traditional German spice cookies known for their aromatic flavors and powdered sugar coating, often enjoyed during the holiday season.
What are the primary spices used in this recipe?
The cookies are flavored with a blend of cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and a dash of black pepper.
Can I substitute the light molasses?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of corn syrup as an alternative to light molasses.
Why must the molasses and butter mixture be cooled?
It is crucial to let the mixture reach room temperature before adding the eggs to prevent them from cooking or scrambling.
How do I incorporate the eggs?
Once the molasses and butter mixture is cool, whisk in the two beaten eggs until they are well combined.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe recommends sifting the all-purpose flour together with the sugar, baking soda, and spices.
Is black pepper a standard ingredient in these cookies?
Yes, a dash of freshly ground black pepper is included to add a unique depth and heat to the spicy profile.
Can I add anise oil to the dough?
Yes, a dash of anise oil can be added to the dry ingredients for a more complex and traditional flavor profile.
How do I mix the thick dough?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the liquid mixture; if it becomes too thick, you can use a dough hook attachment on your mixer.
Does the dough need to be chilled?
Yes, the dough should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line a greased cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
What size should the cookies be?
The dough should be shaped into 1-inch round balls, ideally using a cookie scoop for uniformity.
How far apart should I place the cookies on the tray?
Space the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
How long do these cookies bake?
The cookies should bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
How do I apply the powdered sugar coating?
While the cookies are still warm, place them in a paper bag with powdered sugar and shake gently to coat them evenly.
Can I coat the cookies when they are hot?
The cookies should be warm but not hot when coating to ensure the sugar sticks without melting into a glaze.
How should I cool the cookies?
After coating with sugar, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
How long can Pfeffern sse cookies be stored?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one month.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, their long shelf life and festive flavor make them a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.
What is the calorie count per cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 30 calories.
How much fat is in one cookie?
There is approximately 1.2 grams of fat per cookie.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each cookie has about 4.7 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein do these cookies provide?
Each cookie provides roughly 0.3 grams of protein.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 4.5 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What type of sugar goes inside the dough?
1/2 cup of granulated sugar is mixed into the cookie dough.
Can I make these without a mixer?
You can mix by hand, but a dough hook is recommended if the dough becomes too thick to handle.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
These cookies are described as soft, spiced treats.
What is the significance of the name Pfeffern sse?
The name literally translates to 'pepper nuts' in German, referring to the pinch of pepper in the dough and their small, nut-like shape.