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How to Make Pfeffernüsse (German "Pepper-Nut" Christmas Cookies) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Pfeffernüsse, which translates to "pepper nuts" in German, are a beloved Christmas treat that has been enjoyed in Germany and beyond for centuries. These small, spicy cookies are a staple of German holiday baking, and are often enjoyed alongside other traditional Christmas sweets such as Lebkuchen and Springerle. Pfeffernüsse have a delightful blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and are typically coated in powdered sugar for a sweet and slightly spicy finish.

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Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • ½ tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Information

  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 day 25 mins
  • Total Time: 1 day 1 hr 50 mins
  • Servings: 52
  • Yield: 52 cookies

  • Combine white and brown sugars in a saucepan with honey, water, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper. Place over medium heat and whisk until the sugars dissolve and it just starts to simmer, 1 to 2 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and let cool for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add salt, baking soda, heavy cream, and egg and whisk until thoroughly combined. Add flour and stir together with a wooden spoon until everything comes together as a dough.
  • Transfer dough to a piece of plastic wrap. Press into a ball and wrap tightly. Place in the refrigerator and let rest for 1 to 2 days.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Remove dough from the refrigerator and scoop into rounded teaspoons. Roll each one into a smooth ball if desired, and place on a prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until cookies are perfectly dome-shaped with light golden brown bottoms, 9 to 10 minutes; don't overbake. Let cool on the pan all the way down to room temperature, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • While the cookies are cooling, repeat Steps 5 and 6 to shape and bake the remaining cookies.
  • Make icing by placing powdered sugar in a bowl. Stir in lemon juice, a few teaspoons at a time, until icing is very thick, but still slightly runny.
  • Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing. Let it drip, then flip it over and place on a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper and let harden.

    • Nutrition

    68 cal.

    • Total Fat: 0g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
    • Cholesterol: 4mg
    • Sodium: 82mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 16g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Potassium: 12mg

    Categories

    German recipes
    Cookie recipes
    Christmas recipes
    Spices recipes
    Baking recipes