German Pfeffernüsse Cookies

German Pfeffernüsse Cookies are a traditional German holiday treat that is popular during the Christmas season. The name “Pfeffernüsse” translates to “pepper nuts” in English, which gives you a clue about their flavor.

Furthermore, these small, round cookies are known for their spicy and aromatic taste, as they are typically made with a combination of spices and ground nuts. Finally, they are often coated with a layer of powdered sugar or icing, which gives them a snowy appearance, making them a delightful addition to holiday cookie platters.

German Pfeffernusse Cookie Ingredients

• King Arthur, All-Purpose Flour
• Ground Cinnamon
• Ground All Spice
• Ground Nutmeg
• Ground Black Pepper
• Ground Cloves
• Baking Soda
• Pink Salt
• Unsalted Butter, Softened
• Dark Brown or Coconut Sugar
• Beer Rabbit Molasses
• Carbonated Water (or another egg substitute)
• Anise Extract or Mexican Vanilla
• Powdered Sugar (post-cookie baking)

Crafting the German Pfeffernusse Cookie Dough

1. First, using a Bosch Universal Mixer with the cookie mixing attachment, combine all of the ingredients.
2. Next, combine the ingredients on a speed 2 until the dough comes together. Turn the mixer off.
3. Then, cover the bowl in plastic wrap.
4. Finally, allow the dough to rest and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
   • Note: You can always make the cookie dough the night before, so you don’t have to be “tortured” to wait.

Combine All of the Ingredients In a Bosch Universal Mixer

Turn the Mixer On a Speed 2 Until the Dough Comes Together

Cover the Bowl in Plastic Wrap; Chill For at Least 3 Hours

Forming and Baking the German Pfeffernusse Cookies

1. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Next, using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out and roll a small ball of dough until smooth.
3. Then, place the cookie dough onto a nonstick baking sheet or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Note: Be sure to place the cookie dough about 2 inches apart.
4. Next, repeat steps 2-3 until all of the cookie dough is used.
5. Then, bake the German Pfeffernusse Cookies for 13-15 minutes.
6. Next, transfer the baked cookies to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.
7. Finally, roll the slightly cooled cookies into powdered sugar, place them on a serving tray, and enjoy!

Roll the Chilled Dough Into a Ball and Place On Baking Sheet(s)

Bake the Cookies for 13-15 Minutes

Transfer the Baked Cookies to a Cooling Rack

Roll the Cookies In Powdered Sugar

Serve the German Pfeffernusse Cookies and Enjoy!

Serving, Storing, and Gifting the German Pfeffernusse Cookies

German Pfeffernusse Cookies are delicious the day of and/or a few days after baking. Furthermore, they serve as flavor-packed, elegant, and tasty treats for holiday parties or gifts to family and friends.

Therefore, if you bake this recipe intending to give the cookies away, I’d recommend storing them in an airtight container such as a cookie tin or holiday-inspired Tupperware.

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German Pfeffernüsse Cookies

Yield: 24 Cookies or 2 Dozen

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

German Pfeffernüsse Cookies are a traditional German holiday treat that is popular during the Christmas season. The name "Pfeffernüsse" translates to "pepper nuts" in English, which gives you a clue about their flavor.

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Ingredients

• 2 1/4 c. King Arthur, All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Ground All Spice
• 1/4 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp. Ground Cloves
• 1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1/4 tsp. Pink Salt
• 1/2 c. of Unsalted Butter, Softened
• 3/4 c. Dark Brown or Coconut Sugar
• 1/4 c. Beer Rabbit Molasses
• 1/2 c. Carbonated Water (or another egg substitute)
• 1 tsp. Anise Extract or Mexican Vanilla
• 1/2 c. Powdered Sugar (for post-cookie baking)

Instructions

Crafting the German Pfeffernusse Cookie Dough

1. First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
2. Next, using a whisk, stir the ingredients to combine them.
3. Then, in a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, sugar, and molasses together until creamy and smooth.
4. Next, add the egg substitute and extract, and mix until smooth.
5. Then, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Next, remove the dough from the bowl and wrap it in plastic wrap.
7. Finally, allow the dough to rest and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. (Note: You can always make the cookie dough the night before, so you don't have to be "tortured" to wait).

Forming and Baking the German Pfeffernusse Cookies

1. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Next, using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out and roll a small ball of dough until smooth.
3. Then, place the cookie dough onto a nonstick baking sheet or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Note: Be sure to place the cookie dough about 2 inches apart.
5. Next, repeat steps 2-3 until all of the cookie dough is used.
6. Then, bake the German Pfeffernusse Cookies for 13-15 minutes.
7. Next, transfer the baked cookies to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.
8. Finally, roll the slightly cooled cookies into powdered sugar, place them on a serving tray, and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 2
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 335Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 90mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 1gSugar: 42gProtein: 5g

Nutritional information isn't always accurate, so if you have any questions or concerns, please consult your physician.