Description
Delight your taste buds with these traditional German Pfeffernusse Cookies, a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. These spiced cookies are rich in flavor and coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, making them a delightful addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon anise extract (optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all spices.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, vanilla extract, and anise extract (if using), and mix until smooth.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- Form cookie balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set.
- Cool and coat: Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar until well coated.
Notes
- These cookies improve in flavor after a day or two.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can re-roll them in powdered sugar just before serving for a fresher look.
