Pfeffernusse Cookies are an absolute must for anyone who loves a treat that’s bursting with cozy spices and old-world charm. These bite-sized German gems are soft, chewy, and rolled in a snowy layer of powdered sugar, making them look as festive as they taste. Imagine wrapping your hands around a mug of tea or coffee while savoring a cookie that’s perfumed with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and just enough black pepper to make things interesting. Pfeffernusse Cookies are a true holiday classic, but honestly, they’re so delightful you’ll want to bake them all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pfeffernusse Cookies is all in the blend of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something unforgettable. Every item on this list plays a role, from the rich molasses to the warm spices, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cookies, giving them just the right amount of chew.
- Baking soda: Lifts the dough so the cookies stay soft and pillowy instead of dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of all those cozy spices.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a signature holiday aroma.
- Ground cloves: Brings a bold, spicy depth that’s classic in Pfeffernusse Cookies.
- Ground allspice: Lends a subtle complexity and a hint of sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a gentle, nutty brightness in every bite.
- Ground black pepper: The secret ingredient! It gives the cookies their signature “peppery” kick.
- Ground cardamom: Adds a floral, citrusy note that lifts the spice blend.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Makes the cookies rich and tender.
- Brown sugar, packed: Deepens the flavor with a hint of molasses and makes for a soft crumb.
- Molasses: The star ingredient; its robust flavor is what makes these cookies unmistakably Pfeffernusse.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for a cohesive dough.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the edges of all those spices with a sweet, aromatic finish.
- Powdered sugar (for coating): Gives the cookies that classic frosted look and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make Pfeffernusse Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything prepped before you start mixing means you can focus on the fun part: making the dough!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, and cardamom. This blend is the heart and soul of Pfeffernusse Cookies. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed so every cookie is full of flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies are tender rather than dense. Don’t rush it; give it a good two to three minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The molasses makes the dough rich and dark, while the egg keeps it all together. Vanilla rounds out the spice flavors and adds a sweet fragrance.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick dough forms. The dough should look a bit sticky, but resist the urge to add more flour—this is just right for Pfeffernusse Cookies.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the flavors meld. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are puffed and set, but not browned. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them generously in powdered sugar. Don’t be shy—you want every inch covered for that signature snowy look that defines Pfeffernusse Cookies.
How to Serve Pfeffernusse Cookies
Garnishes
A final dusting of powdered sugar just before serving gives these cookies an irresistible, wintry sparkle. For a little extra flair, a pinch of cinnamon or even a few edible gold stars can make your Pfeffernusse Cookies the star of any dessert table.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cup of spiced black tea, mulled wine, or rich hot chocolate. If you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, pair Pfeffernusse Cookies with a platter of other traditional German cookies or fruit preserves for a beautiful, varied spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Pfeffernusse Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for the cutest edible gifts. Or, arrange them on a tiered cake stand interspersed with sprigs of fresh pine or rosemary for a festive, rustic look. For parties, serve them as part of a holiday cookie board with dried fruits and nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Pfeffernusse Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week, and you might even find the flavors deepen and improve after a day or two.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in layers separated by parchment or wax paper in an airtight container. Pfeffernusse Cookies can be frozen for up to three months—just let them come to room temperature before serving, and give them a fresh roll in powdered sugar if needed.
Reheating
Pfeffernusse Cookies don’t require reheating, but if you prefer them slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick. Be careful not to overheat, or the sugar coating may melt.
FAQs
Can I make Pfeffernusse Cookies without molasses?
Molasses gives these cookies their signature flavor and color, but if you’re out, dark honey or golden syrup can be used in a pinch. The flavor won’t be quite as deep, but you’ll still get a delicious result.
Why is there black pepper in Pfeffernusse Cookies?
The black pepper is what sets Pfeffernusse Cookies apart from other holiday treats. It adds a gentle warmth and a subtle bite that balances the sweetness and spices, making each bite uniquely memorable.
How long do Pfeffernusse Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay soft and flavorful for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Pfeffernusse Cookies are perfect for sharing, and the recipe doubles easily. Just be sure to chill the dough thoroughly, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Are Pfeffernusse Cookies gluten-free?
Traditional Pfeffernusse Cookies use all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may change slightly, but the wonderful spice flavor will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking and sharing Pfeffernusse Cookies, especially when the kitchen fills with the scent of spices and molasses. Whether you’re making them for holiday gifting or just to treat yourself, these cookies are bound to become a treasured favorite. Give them a try, and let every bite bring a little extra joy to your day!
Print
Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pfeffernusse Cookies are traditional German spice cookies with a rich blend of warm spices and molasses, perfect for the holiday season. These small, soft, and slightly chewy treats are coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish, making them a festive favorite that deepens in flavor after resting overnight.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Finishing
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, and cardamom until thoroughly combined. This spice blend gives the cookies their distinctive warm flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies will have a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry spice and flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as this can toughen the cookies.
- Chill Dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to handle and helps maintain shape during baking.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they puff up and are set but not browned.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until they are fully coated. This adds a sweet finish and traditional look.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the cookies to rest overnight after baking to let the spices deepen and mature.
- Store Pfeffernusse cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to retain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well, making them an excellent choice for holiday gifting or making ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
