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Pfeffernüsse Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Traditional Pfeffernüsse Cookies are spicy, molasses-sweetened treats coated with powdered sugar. These soft and flavorful German holiday cookies combine warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and a hint of black pepper for a delightful festive flavor perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Coating

  • Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

  1. Prepare molasses mixture: In a small saucepan, combine molasses, honey, butter, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Add the molasses mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
  4. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to firm up and develop flavor.
  5. Preheat oven and prepare sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Shape cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake cookies: Bake for 12 minutes or until the cookies feel firm to the touch but remain soft inside.
  8. Coat with powdered sugar: Let the cookies cool slightly on a wire rack, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm to create a classic white coating.
  9. Cool completely: Allow the cookies to cool fully before serving to set the sugar coating and achieve the best texture.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  • Chilling the dough is important for easier handling and better texture.
  • These cookies keep well and flavor improves after a day or two stored in an airtight container.
  • You can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup for a milder flavor, but traditional molasses provides authentic taste.
  • Adjust spices slightly to your preference, but the combination is essential to achieve the classic Pfeffernüsse flavor.

Find it online: https://sweetworldtastes.com/pfeffernusse-cookies-recipe/