Best Christmas Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipes

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PFEFFERNüSSE (GERMAN "PEPPER-NUT" CHRISTMAS COOKIES)



Pfeffernüsse (German

The name "Pfeffernüsse" translates to pepper-nut, even though these cookies don't contain either. Back in the day, "pepper" was a generic name for any type of spice, and these were were called "nuts" because they looked like nuts! Misleading names aside, I think this is the best Christmas cookie of all time. They're soft and chewy with a thin, crisp icing and the perfect combination of warming winter spices. Pack up a tin and share these delicious cookies with family and friends!

Provided by Chef John

Categories     German Cookies

Time P1DT1h50m

Yield 52

Number Of Ingredients 18

⅓ cup white sugar
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
½ tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 large egg, beaten
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Combine white and brown sugars in a saucepan with honey, water, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper. Place over medium heat and whisk until the sugars dissolve and it just starts to simmer, 1 to 2 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and let cool for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add salt, baking soda, heavy cream, and egg and whisk until thoroughly combined. Add flour and stir together with a wooden spoon until everything comes together as a dough.
  • Transfer dough to a piece of plastic wrap. Press into a ball and wrap tightly. Place in the refrigerator and let rest for 1 to 2 days.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Remove dough from the refrigerator and scoop into rounded teaspoons. Roll each one into a smooth ball if desired, and place on a prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until cookies are perfectly dome-shaped with light golden brown bottoms, 9 to 10 minutes; don't overbake. Let cool on the pan all the way down to room temperature, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • While the cookies are cooling, repeat Steps 5 and 6 to shape and bake the remaining cookies.
  • Make icing by placing powdered sugar in a bowl. Stir in lemon juice, a few teaspoons at a time, until icing is very thick, but still slightly runny.
  • Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing. Let it drip, then flip it over and place on a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper and let harden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 67.7 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 0.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 81.8 mg

CHRISTMAS PFEFFERNUSSE COOKIES



Christmas Pfeffernusse Cookies image

I got this delicious German spice cookie recipe from a local newspaper. Instead of using light molasses like the recipe calls for, I use regular molasses beacause I like the darker color.

Provided by Cupcake-Princess

Categories     Dessert

Time 22m

Yield 24-30 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon anise seed, crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
powdered sugar, for rolling baked cookies in

Steps:

  • In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, salt, baking soda, pepper, aniseeds, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves, set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed cream butter, sugar, and molasses until fluffy. Beat in egg. On low speed gradually add flour mixture and beat just until blended. Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease baking sheets. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch sized balls. Place balls two inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes.
  • When cookies are cool enough to handle, but still warm roll in powdered sugar. Transfer cookies to cooling racks to cool completley.

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