Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday treat with these Pfeffernusse Cookies! Packed with a cozy blend of warm spices, a signature hint of black pepper, and a sweet molasses kick, these cookies are as festive as it gets. Every bite delivers a soft, toothsome crumb and a cloud of powdered sugar that melts in your mouth. If you’ve ever wondered how old-world German bakeries create their famous wintertime cookies, this recipe is your answer. Once you try these, you’ll understand why Pfeffernusse Cookies truly capture the magic of the season.

Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Pfeffernusse Cookies plays a starring role, layering spicy warmth, tender texture, and that snowy-white finish you can’t resist. Gather these simple but essential pantry staples to create a batch that’s both classic and crowd-pleasing!

All-purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s structure for just the right bite and crumb.
Baking soda: Gives the dough that subtle lift for a puffy, cake-like texture.
Salt: Sharpens all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth, giving these cookies their signature spicy aroma.
Ground cloves: Adds bold, earthy undertones—just a little makes a big difference.
Ground nutmeg: Offers a hint of sweet nuttiness for a balanced spice profile.
Ground allspice: Blends notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that unmistakably festive flavor.
Ground black pepper: The secret ingredient for subtle heat and memorable zing!
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle, lively kick to round out the spice blend.
Unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and that perfectly tender crumb.
Brown sugar, packed: Deepens the cookies’ flavor and brings just the right chewiness.
Molasses: Infuses classic Pfeffernusse Cookies with deep color and old-fashioned sweetness.
Large egg: Binds everything together and ensures a soft, cakey texture.
Vanilla extract: Lends mellow sweetness that balances all those spices.
Anise extract (optional): For a whisper of licorice-like intrigue—use it if you love tradition!
Powdered sugar (for coating): That frosty, snowy finish everyone looks forward to!

How to Make Pfeffernusse Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Pfeffernusse Cookies won’t stick and promises even baking. Taking this minute means you’ll be ready to scoop and go once your dough is mixed!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and all those gorgeous spices: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, black pepper, and ginger. This step is key—it disperses the spices evenly, so every single cookie has that festive, balanced flavor.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and lighter in color. This not only blends the two but also incorporates air, which helps create that perfectly soft Pfeffernusse Cookies bite.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the molasses, egg, vanilla extract, and anise extract (if you’re using it). Stir until everything is smooth and glossy—your kitchen will already smell like a winter bakery! The molasses gives earthy sweetness, while the anise rounds things out with a gentle, herbal note.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your spice-flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. Ooh, don’t over-mix—just enough to combine! You’ll notice the dough feels like gingerbread but with an extra cloud of Christmas spice.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-size portions of dough and gently roll them into balls with your hands. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Don’t crowd them—they need room to puff and set up their signature cracked tops!

Step 7: Bake

Slide your tray into the oven and bake the Pfeffernusse Cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden bottoms and tops that look dry and set. Too long and they’ll be dry; too short and they’ll be doughy, so keep an eye out!

Step 8: Cool and Sugar-Coat

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Wait until they’re completely cool (it’s worth it!) before tossing them generously in powdered sugar. The sugar will cling perfectly to cooled cookies for that frosty, festive look.

How to Serve Pfeffernusse Cookies

Garnishes

A heavy dusting of fresh powdered sugar makes Pfeffernusse Cookies look like pure bakery magic—don’t be shy with that snowy coat! You can also add a twist of citrus zest right over the top or a tiny sprinkle of edible gold dust if you’re feeling extra festive.

Side Dishes

Pair Pfeffernusse Cookies with a mug of mulled wine, hot spiced cider, or coffee for the ultimate winter treat. They’re also lovely alongside a platter of fresh fruit, a wedge of sharp cheese, or even a bowl of vanilla ice cream to balance those spiced flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, pile your cookies in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon or stack them in a festive tin. At home, set them on a tiered cookie tray with other holiday confections or plate them with star-shaped cutouts for a European-inspired dessert platter. Pfeffernusse Cookies sprinkled with extra powdered sugar look gorgeous under twinkling string lights!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies have cooled and been coated in sugar, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Pfeffernusse Cookies actually taste even better after a day or two, as the flavors deepen and develop—a fantastic make-ahead treat!

Freezing

To freeze, place uncoated cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature, then toss in fresh powdered sugar before serving. This method keeps your Pfeffernusse Cookies tasting bakery-fresh whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

You don’t need to reheat Pfeffernusse Cookies—just let them come to room temperature if frozen. If you prefer them slightly warm, you can microwave a cookie for 8 to 10 seconds before dusting with more powdered sugar for a just-baked effect.

FAQs

What does “Pfeffernusse” mean?

“Pfeffernusse” literally translates to “pepper nuts” in German. The name comes from the traditional addition of black pepper to the dough, and the small round cookie shape that resembles little nuts!

Are Pfeffernusse Cookies very spicy?

They’re not hot, but they do pack a warmly spiced punch! The blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and pepper creates a cozy flavor that’s much more fragrant than fiery. If you’re sensitive, you can always reduce the pepper slightly.

What is the best way to achieve a thick powdered sugar coating?

Wait until the cookies are completely cool, then roll them generously in powdered sugar. For an extra-thick coat, you can roll them once, let them sit for a few minutes, and repeat. This double-dip technique is especially fun just before serving!

Is the anise extract necessary?

Nope! The anise extract is totally optional. Traditionalists love it for a subtle licorice background, but if that’s not your thing, leave it out—your Pfeffernusse Cookies will still be delicious and festive.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but all that beautiful spiced flavor will shine through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a burst of old-world charm—and irresistible aroma—to your holiday cookie tray, you’ll adore these Pfeffernusse Cookies. They’re quick to make, magical to share, and utterly unforgettable with every snowy bite. Bake a batch and start your own delicious tradition!