Description
Pfeffernusse Cookies are traditional German spice cookies that feature a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom, combined with molasses and honey for rich sweetness. These small, round cookies are coated in powdered sugar, delivering a perfect balance of spice and sweetness that improves in flavor after a day or two, making them a festive favorite for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Molasses Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the molasses, honey, and unsalted butter. Heat over low heat, stirring continuously until the butter melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly to prevent cooking the egg in the next step.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cardamom, and ground white pepper until evenly mixed to distribute the spices evenly through the dough.
- Make the Dough: Stir the slightly cooled molasses mixture and the large egg into the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a thick, cohesive dough forms. This dough will be sturdy enough to roll into balls.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helps the flavors develop.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie tops are set and the bottoms turn a light golden color. Baking times can vary slightly based on oven performance.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar for the first coating. After they have completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar once more to create a thick, snowy coating.
Notes
- For softer cookies, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread; the moisture from the bread helps keep the cookies soft.
- These cookies develop more complex flavors if allowed to rest for a day or two before serving.
- Pfeffernusse cookies are an ideal homemade gift during the holiday season due to their festive spice and sweet powdered sugar coating.
