Pfeffernuesse Cookie Mix

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1/2 cup finely chopped candied orange peel

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and cardamom. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Mix in the ground almonds and candied orange peel.
4. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Flatten the balls slightly with a fork.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Pfeffernuesse are traditional German cookies that are popular during the Christmas season.
• The cookies are made with a mixture of ground spices, and the dough is typically rolled into small balls before baking.
• You can also sprinkle the cookies with sugar before baking for a sweet crunchy topping.