This may be the ultimate Christmas cookie in my opinion. Pfeffernusse are traditional German cookies with black pepper in them. These cookies are very spicy with a hint of citrus and they keep very well, making them great to keep around for a few weeks even during the holidays. Because of this they ship great as well.
I first tried them at a German market and instantly wanted to make some at home. After a few trials this is our favorite. They are definitely a must for our Christmas treat boxes!
PFEFFERNUSSE
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract (can also use anise extract)
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cloves
2 tsp ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1 T dried orange zest
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
Powdered sugar, for rolling
In the bowl of a mixer, combine the sugars, molasses, and butter. Cream together until combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla (and anise if using). Mix to combine.
In another bowl whisk to combine the flour, spices, salt, and baking soda. Add to batter and beat until smooth and combined.
Make tablespoon sized balls and place on greased cookie sheets (or line with a silicone mat) and bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes.
Cool, then roll in powdered sugar.
Keep for several weeks in an airtight container.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (can also use anise extract)
- 4 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cloves
- 2 tsp ginger
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 T dried orange zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- In the bowl of a mixer, combine the sugars, molasses, and butter. Cream together until combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla (and anise if using). Mix to combine.
- In another bowl whisk to combine the flour, spices, salt, and baking soda. Add to batter and beat until smooth and combined.
- Make tablespoon sized balls and place on greased cookie sheets (or line with a silicone mat) and bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes.
- Cool, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Keep for several weeks in an airtight container.
