Traditional Pfeffernüsse (German Spice Cookies) Recipe

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices in a bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar and molasses together until creamy.
Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed, until the dough comes together.
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned and firm to the touch.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are cooled, dust them generously with confectioners' sugar.

Tools for making

Mixing bowls - Use mixing bowls to combine ingredients and prepare the dough.
Whisk - Use a whisk to combine dry ingredients thoroughly.
Electric mixer - Use an electric mixer to beat the butter, sugar, and molasses together until creamy.
Measuring cups and spoons - Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients.
Baking sheet - Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to bake the cookies.
Wire rack - Use a wire rack to cool the cookies evenly.
Sifter or sieve - Use a sifter or sieve to dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar.
Plastic wrap - Use plastic wrap to cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator.
Oven - Preheat the oven to the specified temperature for baking the cookies.

Recipe variations

Substitute whole wheat flour or almond flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.
Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the dough for an added crunch.
Replace the white pepper with black pepper for a slightly different flavor profile.
If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to the spice mixture.
For a citrusy twist, add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough.
Add 1/2 cup of raisins or currants to the dough for a fruity touch.
For a boozy variation, soak the raisins or currants in rum or brandy before adding them to the dough.
To make the cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor of the cookies.

Recipe overview

Get ready to bring a touch of European flavor to your holiday cookie spread with this traditional German Pfeffernüsse recipe. These small, round cookies are packed with warming spices and have a lightly crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, chewy center. The finishing touch of a dusting of confectioners' sugar makes them look like they're freshly fallen snow. Pfeffernüsse are perfect for sharing during the holiday season, but their delightful mix of spices and rich molasses flavor will have you craving them all year round. The recipe calls for some chilling time to ensure the dough is easy to handle, so be sure to factor this into your prep time. Happy baking!

Common questions

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but remember to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to maintain the right balance of flavors.
How long can I store these cookies? These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the dough? Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or dried fruits, like raisins or chopped candied ginger, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Pfeffernüsse cookies.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Whisk - To combine the dry ingredients and ensure they are evenly distributed.
Electric Mixer - To cream the butter, sugar, and molasses together until creamy.
Spatula - To scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix the dough.
Refrigerator - To chill the dough before baking.
Baking Sheet - To place the cookie dough balls on for baking.
Parchment Paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent the cookies from sticking.
Wire Rack - To cool the cookies evenly after baking.
Sifter or Sieve - To dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar.

Origin stories

Pfeffernüsse, which translates to "pepper nuts" in German, holds a delightful place in the holiday traditions of Germany. These tiny, spice-packed cookies date back to the Middle Ages, when spices like pepper were used in holiday baking as they were considered festive and a symbol of wealth. Despite the name, it's a fun fact that these cookies don't typically contain any nuts. The 'nut' part of the name refers to its small, round, nut-like size. They are particularly popular in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands around Christmas time. True to their festive origin, Pfeffernüsse cookies remain a beloved treat shared during the holiday season and are often given as a gift in decorative tins or boxes. When you bite into a Pfeffernüsse, you're taking part in a centuries-old holiday tradition that continues to spice up the season year after year.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.