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How to Make Grandma Anna's Italian Pepper Cookies - A Step-by-Step Guide

Grandma Anna's Italian Pepper Cookies are a traditional treat that has been passed down through generations in our family. These delicious cookies are a staple at our family gatherings and always evoke fond memories of time spent with loved ones. The recipe originated from my great-grandmother, Anna, who brought it with her from Italy when she immigrated to the United States. Since then, it has been a beloved part of our family's culinary tradition.

These cookies have a unique flavor ...

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup raisins
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
  • ¾ cup confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons multi-colored sprinkles, or to taste (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Servings: 60
  • Yield: 60 cookies

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, pepper, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves for cookies together into a large bowl.
  • Place shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until melted. Pour into dry ingredients and mix with a spoon.
  • Add milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla; mix with a spoon to combine. Add raisins, chopped walnuts, and finely chopped walnuts and mix with your hands to combine. Roll dough into small balls and set 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake in batches in the preheated oven until edges are golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
  • Prepare glaze while cookies cool. Place confectioners' sugar in a bowl. Add milk, orange juice, and orange zest and mix until smooth.
  • Brush glaze onto cooled cookies or spread with a spoon. Decorate with sprinkles.

    • Nutrition

    114 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 0mg
    • Sodium: 13mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 10mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 54mg

    Categories

    Sweet recipes
    Spicy recipes
    Italian recipes
    Dessert recipes
    Cookie recipes