Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with the cozy, spicy scents of the holidays, this Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These little German spice cookies come packed with warm flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of pepper, delivering that perfect balance of sweet and spicy in every bite. Their soft texture dusted with powdered sugar makes them irresistible treats to share or savor on your own. Once you try this Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe is in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. They’re pantry staples that work together to create a cookie that’s as aromatic as it is delicious.

• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom: Adds a floral, citrusy note that brightens the spice mix.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Brings warmth and a bit of earthiness to the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Offers a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves flavor in one.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing and depth to the spice profile.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a warm, slightly sweet undertone.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a peppery sharpness that makes these cookies unique.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice that ties everything together beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get just the right texture.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds all the ingredients together and creates the perfect cookie structure.
• 1 teaspoon anise extract: Lends a subtle licorice-like aroma that’s traditional for Pfeffernusse.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for tenderness.
• ⅓ cup molasses: Adds moisture, sweetness, and that deep, rich flavor classic to these cookies.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie while helping with a slight crisp edge.
• ½ cup butter (room temperature): Creates richness and softness in the cookie crumb.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For dusting the cookies perfectly, adding a snowy, festive finish.

How to Make Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking the array of spices—cardamom, cloves, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon—together with the salt, baking soda, and flour in a large bowl. This ensures that all those warm, aromatic flavors are evenly spread throughout the dough for that signature Pfeffernusse taste.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In your mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which creates a lovely base for your cookie. Then add the molasses, egg, and anise extract, beating until everything is silky smooth. This wet mixture is where the cookie’s richness and unique flavor starts to shine through.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly incorporate the flour and spice blend into your wet ingredients. Take your time mixing this in so the dough forms uniformly and doesn’t get overworked, ensuring tender cookies after baking.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting period lets the spices fully meld and firms up the dough for easier shaping, which leads to perfectly round cookies.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Proper ovens temperature is key for dough that rises just right and bakes evenly.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie and gently roll into balls. Consistent sizing helps them bake uniformly with a lovely soft center and slightly firm edges.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on your lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. This brief baking time keeps the cookies chewy while developing flavor.

Step 8: Cool Slightly

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step is important to prevent breakage since Pfeffernusse are delicate right out of the oven.

Step 9: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Using a sifter, generously dust each cookie with powdered sugar on both sides. You may want to repeat this process a few times until the cookies are fully covered in that snowy-white coating, which is both beautiful and adds a touch of sweetness.

Step 10: Cool Completely Before Serving

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack after dusting. This final cooldown ensures the powdered sugar adheres nicely and the cookies reach their perfect texture.

How to Serve Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While powdered sugar is traditional and ideal for Pfeffernusse, consider adding a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or sprinkling with crushed, toasted almonds for added texture and a festive touch.

Side Dishes

Pfeffernusse cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or mulled wine. Their spicy notes compliment warm drinks, making them an excellent treat to enjoy during cozy gatherings or quiet winter evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies in decorative tins layered with parchment paper for gifting, or arrange them on a cookie platter alongside a variety of holiday sweets to wow guests. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift anyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Pfeffernusse cookies stay fresh for up to two weeks. Their rich spices actually deepen with time, making the flavors even more delightful if you can wait that long.

Freezing

You can freeze baked, cooled Pfeffernusse cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving, and the spices and texture will be just as delightful as when freshly made.

Reheating

If you like your Pfeffernusse cookies slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or heat briefly in the microwave. This brings out their comforting aroma and makes them wonderfully soft without melting the powdered sugar coating.

FAQs

What makes Pfeffernusse cookies different from other spice cookies?

Pfeffernusse stand out because of their unique blend of spices combined with a touch of molasses and black pepper, which gives them a subtle but distinct peppery bite. The anise extract also adds a characteristic licorice hint that you won’t find in all spice cookies.

Can I substitute anise extract in the Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe?

If you don’t have anise extract on hand, you can use a small amount of fennel or star anise powder as a substitute. Just be cautious, as their flavors are potent; start with a small quantity to avoid overpowering the cookies.

Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough helps the spices meld beautifully and firms it up, making it easier to handle and roll into uniform balls. It also results in a better texture, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

How do I keep Pfeffernusse cookies soft?

Proper baking time is key—bake until just set, not too long. Also, storing them properly in an airtight container helps maintain their soft, chewy texture. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help retain moisture and keep cookies soft.

Can I make this Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but be sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent. The texture might vary slightly, but the spicy flavor will remain delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe is genuinely one of those treasured finds that brings joy every time you bake it. The enticing blend of spices, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the delicate powdered sugar coating make for a cookie that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s your first time or a beloved tradition, I absolutely encourage you to try this recipe—it’s a heartwarming way to add some spice and sweetness to your day.

Print