5 from 54 votes
Pfeffernusse
Pfeffernusse are small, spiced German cookies flavored with a blend of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and anise. The dough is enriched with molasses, honey, and butter for moistness and depth. After chilling, the dough is cut into small cubes and baked, then rolled twice in powdered sugar to create a delicate sweet coating that prevents sticking and enhances flavor. These cookies have a dense yet tender texture with a complex spice profile ideal for holiday baking and gifting.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 50 mins
Servings:
75
cookies
Calories:
55 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
German
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter 113g, unsalted
- ½ cup dark brown sugar 110g, firmly packed
- ¼ cup unsulphured molasses (80mL)
- ¼ cup honey (80mL)
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon anise extract
- ¾ teaspoon cloves ground
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper ground
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (240g)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugar, molasses, and honey over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture just starts to bubble. Remove from the heat. Stir in the ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, anise extract, cloves, pepper, nutmeg, and salt. Transfer to a large bowl, and let cool for 20 minutes or until barely warm to the touch.
- Once cooled, whisk in the egg until well combined. Fold in the flour and baking soda until all of the flour is incorporated. Transfer the dough to a sheet of plastic wrap, cover and press into a 1-inch-thick square. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 3 days. (The dough gets more flavorful as it rests, so this is a great step to make ahead.)
- When ready to bake, position oven racks towards the center of the oven, and preheat the oven to 350F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unwrap the cookie dough and cut into ¾-inch wide strips. Cut again making ¾-inch-wide strips running perpendicular to the first set, creating cubes. Roll each cube of dough between your palms to create a ball. Place on the lined baking sheets 1 1/2 inches apart. If you can’t fit all of the dough on two sheets, rewrap and chill the remaining dough to roll and bake after the first batch.
- Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are firm to the touch and just starting to crack on top. Let cookies cool for a few minutes. Toss cooled cookies in confectioners’ sugar until well coated. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Toss again in confectioners’ sugar once cooled.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- If anise extract is unavailable, substitute with ½ teaspoon ground anise seed or use vanilla or almond extract instead.
- Measure flour accurately by weight or fluff and level the measuring cup to avoid dry, dense cookies.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure proper texture before baking.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar twice for a complete coating that prevents melting and sticking.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper to promote even baking and prevent cookies from cracking.
- Spray or grease measuring spoons before measuring sticky ingredients like molasses or honey for easier release.
- Keep unrolled dough covered and refrigerated between baking batches to maintain consistency and prevent drying.
Nutrition Information
Calories
55kcal
(3%)
Carbohydrates
10g
(3%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
6mg
(2%)
Sodium
25mg
(1%)
Potassium
27mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
42IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
6mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 75 cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 55
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 55kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 25mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 27mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 42IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 6mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.