Traditional German Pfeffernusse Cookie Recipe

Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional German Pfeffernusse cookies. These small, spicy cookies are full of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and are coated in a sweet powdered sugar. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a delicious treat, this recipe is easy to follow and will have you enjoying homemade Pfeffernusse in no time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and form small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly firm to the touch.
10. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
11. Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Once cooled, you can roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for an extra layer of sweetness, if desired.
13. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Interesting Facts