Best 2 German Spice Cookies Pfeffernusse Recipes
In the realm of German holiday baking, Pfeffernüsse, or German spice cookies, stand as a timeless treasure, captivating taste buds with their unique blend of warmth and subtle sweetness. These bite-sized delights, often associated with the festive season, are a harmonious symphony of aromatic spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, that dance upon the palate, leaving a trail of cozy memories. While the traditional Pfeffernüsse recipe forms the heart of this culinary journey, variations abound, each offering a distinctive twist on this classic treat. Some recipes embrace the tangy embrace of orange zest or the nutty richness of almonds, while others venture into the realm of chocolate or marzipan fillings, transforming these cookies into delectable morsels that cater to diverse palates. Embark on a delightful expedition through this collection of Pfeffernüsse recipes, where each variation promises a unique taste adventure, sure to ignite the holiday spirit and warm the hearts of cookie enthusiasts everywhere.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PFEFFERNUSSE COOKIES
I have searched far and wide for a recipe that mimics my favorite, store-bought version of these cookies. I think, after days of thrown-out cookies, I have come as close as I can get.
Provided by Thebeansma
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European German
Time 3h
Yield 18
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Stir together the molasses, honey, shortening, and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until creamy. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Stir in the eggs.
- Combine the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, anise, cinnamon, baking soda, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add the molasses mixture and stir until thoroughly combines. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Roll the dough into acorn-sized balls. Arrange on baking sheets, spacing at least 1 inch apart.
- Bake in preheated oven 10 to 15 minutes. Move to a rack to cool. Dust cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Carbohydrate 53.9 g, Cholesterol 20.7 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 212.8 mg, Sugar 30.2 g
GERMAN SPICE COOKIES (PFEFFERNUSSE)
German for "pepper nut," pfeffernusse cookies are named for the pinch of pepper added to the dough before baking. It joins a quartet of warm spices -- cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes about 60
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and spices. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter, brown sugar, and molasses on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture; beat until just combined. Pinch off a heaping teaspoon of dough, roll into a ball, and place on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat process with remaining dough, spacing balls 1 1/2 inches apart. (Dough can be frozen at this point, covered tightly with plastic wrap, up to 1 month.)
- Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are golden and firm to the touch with slight cracking, about 15 minutes. Transfer sheets to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze: Fit a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack. In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar, milk, and kirsch, if desired. Using a fork, dip each cookie in glaze to coat. Tap to remove excess glaze and place on wire rack to dry. Repeat with remaining cookies.
- To decorate: While the glaze is still wet, top cookies with a small pinch of peppercorns, if desired. Alternatively, let glaze dry completely before mixing together luster dust and kirsch with a small paintbrush. Lightly brush tops of cookies with luster dust mixture, if desired. Let dry before serving. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- Chill the dough before baking: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Use a cookie press: A cookie press is a great way to get evenly shaped cookies. If you don't have a cookie press, you can also roll out the dough and cut out cookies with a cookie cutter.
- Bake the cookies until they are just set: The cookies should be firm around the edges but still soft in the center. If you overbake them, they will be dry and crumbly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing them: The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. If you store them before they are completely cool, they may break.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container: The cookies will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.
Conclusion:
German spice cookies, also known as Pfeffernusse, are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season. They are easy to make and can be customized with different spices and nuts. Whether you are looking for a traditional German cookie recipe or a new holiday treat, these cookies are sure to please everyone. These cookies are also a great way to use up leftover spices. If you have a jar of pumpkin pie spice or gingerbread spice, you can add it to the dough for a unique flavor. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for a crunchy texture. No matter how you choose to make them, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So next time you are looking for a festive and delicious treat, give these German spice cookies a try.
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