How to Make Traditional Pfefferneusse - A Step-by-Step Guide

Pfefferneusse are a traditional German Christmas cookie that brings warmth and nostalgia to the holiday season. These small, spicy, and aromatic cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine on a cold winter day. The name "Pfefferneusse" translates to "pepper nuts" in English, which may sound like an unusual combination, but it refers to the small size and spicy flavor of these delightful treats.

Made with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg,...

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup shortening
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 3 drops anise oil
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon hot water
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ⅛ teaspoon white pepper

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Total Time: 27 mins
  • Servings: 48
  • Yield: 4 dozen

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in molasses, anise oil, and egg. Dissolve baking soda in hot water, and stir into the mixture. Combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger and white pepper; blend into the molasses mixture until uniform. Knead for a minute until easy to work with. Shape dough into 1 inch balls, and place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
  • Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until slightly browned on the bottom. Do not over bake, or they will be very hard. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Nutrition

    77 cal.

    • Total Fat: 2g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 4mg
    • Sodium: 29mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 13g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Calcium: 12mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 66mg