Traditional German Pfeffernuesse Cookies

Pfeffernuesse are traditional German spice cookies that are popular during the Christmas season. These cookies are small and packed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, offering a rich and flavorful treat. The dough is rolled into small balls, baked until golden brown, and then coated with powdered sugar, adding a delightful touch of sweetness. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions on how to create these delicious Pfeffernuesse cookies from scratch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for coating

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda, black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are combined and a dough forms.
4. Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in powdered sugar until they are fully coated. Gently tap off any excess powdered sugar.
8. Serve and enjoy these delicious Pfeffernuesse cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee!

Interesting Facts