Pfeffernusse Recipe

Ever felt like your taste buds needed a cozy autumn hug? Let me introduce you to my spiced cookie magic—where every bite is a nostalgic trip to crisp fall days, crunchy leaves, and a warm, cinnamon embrace.

I love creating traditional recipes with a twist, and Pfeffernusse is one of my favorites. These delightful spiced cookies are made with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, perfectly enhanced by dark brown sugar and molasses.

The dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet finish, making them irresistibly delicious.

Pfeffernusse Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure, rich in carbohydrates.
• Cinnamon: Adds sweetness and warm spice, with antioxidants.
• Ground cloves: Enhances flavor with a strong, warm essence.
• Dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and rich sweetness to the cookies.
• Molasses: Deepens flavor, provides iron and calcium.
• Lemon zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness.
• Powdered sugar: Dusting provides a sweet, snowy finish.

Pfeffernusse Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (optional, such as almonds or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make this Pfeffernusse Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, black pepper, and ginger. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the molasses, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

6. If using, fold in the finely chopped nuts.

7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch.

9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Pfeffernusse Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Hand mixer or stand mixer
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Spatula or mixing spoon
11. Microplane or zester
12. Cookie scoop or tablespoon
13. Wire cooling rack

FAQ

• What is Pfeffernüsse, and where does it originate from? Pfeffernüsse, also known as “pepper nuts,” are small, spiced cookies traditionally made during the holiday season, popular in Germany and other parts of Europe.
• Can I make Pfeffernüsse without nuts? Yes, you can omit the nuts if you prefer or if there are nut allergies to consider. The cookies will still be delicious.
• What gives Pfeffernüsse their unique flavor? The combination of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and black pepper, gives these cookies their distinctive, warming flavor.
• Why is molasses used in the recipe? Molasses adds depth and a rich, slightly sweet flavor to the cookies, as well as contributing to their moist texture.
• How do I ensure my cookies have a soft texture? Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should be just set in the center when you remove them from the oven to keep them soft.
• What does the lemon zest contribute to the recipe? The lemon zest adds a subtle hint of citrus that brightens the flavor profile of the cookies, balancing the spices.
• How should Pfeffernüsse be stored? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. The flavors often improve after a day or two as they mature.

Pfeffernusse Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• All-purpose flour: Substitute with an equal amount of whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Dark brown sugar: Use 3/4 cup of granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or an equal amount of muscovado sugar for a deeper molasses taste.
• Molasses: Substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup for a lighter flavor profile.
• Ground black pepper: Use a 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper for a subtler warmth, retaining the spicy kick.
• Powdered sugar: Replace with an equal amount of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist on the traditional dusting.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dough After preparing the dough, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the cookies maintain their shape better while baking and intensify the flavors.

2. Use Fresh Spices For the best flavor, ensure that your spices are fresh. Ground spices lose their potency over time, so using fresh spices will maximize the aroma and taste of your cookies.

3. Molasses Choice Use unsulfured molasses for a milder and cleaner flavor. If you want a more robust taste, you could substitute with blackstrap molasses, but be prepared for a more intense flavor.

4. Nutty Flavor Enhancement Toast the finely chopped nuts before adding them to the dough. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch to the cookies.

5. Lemon Zest To get more zest and less bitter pith, use a microplane grater. The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy dimension to the cookies, balancing the warm spices beautifully.