Description
Pfeffernüsse Cookies are traditional German spiced Christmas cookies made with a blend of molasses, warm spices, and a hint of anise. These chewy, flavorful cookies are rolled in confectioners’ sugar for a sweet finish and are perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon anise extract (or vanilla if preferred)
- 1/2 cup (87 g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to be used later.
- Using a stand mixer, beat together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and molasses on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the large egg and anise extract until fully incorporated.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least three hours.
- Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350° F (175° C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop approximately one tablespoon of dough and roll into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden and firm to the touch.
- Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- While still slightly warm, roll the cookies in confectioners’ sugar to coat them evenly.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
- For a stronger flavor, let the cookies rest for a day before serving.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 84
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg