5 from 36 votes
Pfeffernusse Cookies | Traditional German Spice Cookie
Pfeffernusse Cookies are traditional German spice cookies featuring a thick, firm dough infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a hint of black pepper, complemented optionally by candied orange peel. After baking at a low temperature, the cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet coating that balances the spiced interior. The texture is firm yet tender, making them ideal for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings:
36
-48 Cookies
Calories:
103 kcal
Course:
Dessert, Baked Goods
Cuisine:
German, American
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!
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 36 -48 Cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 103
% 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.