Pfeffernusse Cookies | Traditional German Spice Cookie
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
36 -48 Cookies
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Calories
103 kcal
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Course
Dessert, Baked Goods
Pfeffernusse Cookies | Traditional German Spice Cookie
Description
This recipe involves creaming eggs and cane sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporating a blend of spices including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, allspice, and ginger. Baking powder is whisked with all-purpose flour before being gradually mixed into the egg and sugar mixture, producing a dense dough. Optional minced candied orange peel adds subtle citrus notes.
Portioning with a small cookie scoop yields walnut-sized cookies that bake at a low temperature (300°F) for 15 minutes, preserving moistness and preventing overbrowning. After cooling for a few minutes, the cookies are coated with powdered sugar by rolling in a bowl or bag, giving them a snowy coating that contrasts the spice flavors inside.
These cookies are traditionally stored in an airtight container to soften and improve flavor over time. Variations can include using gluten-free flours or almond flour, substituting honey for sugar, or glazing instead of powdered sugar dusting for different textures and sweetness levels. Adding anise or ground red pepper can alter the spice profile subtly, catering to preferences.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour unbleached
- 2 cups cane sugar pure
- 4 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper pfeffer, ground
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- 4 tablespoons orange peel optional, minced, candied
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper, silpat or grease with a little spray oil or other non-stick spray.
- Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add spices, mixing to combine. Whisk baking powder and flour together, then add ½ cup at a time until incorporated, the mixture will be thick and stiff. Knead in the mixer on low for 2 minutes.
- Using a small cookie scoop, 1-2 tablespoons, about the size of walnuts. Arrange on parchment lined baking sheet (or be sure to grease cookie sheet).
- Bake in preheated 300 degree oven for 15 minutes, remove and cool for 5 minutes, then carefully coat in powdered sugar if desired. To coat in powdered sugar, place 1-3 pfeffernusse at a time into a bowl or baggie filled with about 1 cup of powdered sugar, turn to coat, remove and let cool completely on wire rack.
- The notes that I remember the most from my Grandma Flo, and my dad, was to store these cookies in an airtight container (they used tins back in the day) for 4 days before serving. The flavors deepen even more. But they do get hard, the longer they sit, they become more like a biscotti , a great tea or coffee dipping cookie. I personally like them on day 1 or 2, as they are a bit softer.
- I always am reminded of my dad and Grandmother and the German side of our family when I make these cookies, they can be an acquired taste, but they are a spiced cookie that we love!
- Cut this recipe in half for a smaller batch of cookies, my Grandmother had 6 boys! She had to feed a lot!
Notes
- A gluten-free flour blend or almond flour may replace all-purpose flour for gluten-free versions, though results may vary.
- Instead of powdered sugar dusting, a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, browned butter glaze, or vanilla buttercream can be used.
- Metallic luster dust mixed with powdered sugar can add decorative sparkle to cookies.
- Ground red pepper offers a sweet, mildly spicy alternative topping to complement the black pepper in the recipe.
- Anise or anise extract can be added to enhance licorice-like notes for those who enjoy that flavor.
- Honey can be substituted for sugar at about 1-¾ cups but has not been tested in this recipe.
- Candied orange or lemon peel can be diced and mixed in, though it is optional based on preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to allow flavors to mellow and soften the texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 36-48 Cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 103 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 11 serving | |
| Calories | 103kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 21mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 22mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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