In the realm of confectionery delights, few treats can rival the allure of pfeffernusse, pebernødder, and mommy sugars, a trio of delectable cookies that have captivated taste buds for centuries. These iconic holiday treats, deeply rooted in German and Danish culinary traditions, boast a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, leaving an indelible mark on the senses. With their distinctively spiced exteriors and soft, chewy interiors, these cookies are a testament to the enduring appeal of simple yet exquisite baking. Join us on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets behind these beloved cookies, exploring the nuances of their recipes and the stories that have shaped their enduring popularity. From the warmth of cinnamon and the piquancy of ginger to the subtle sweetness of molasses, these cookies offer a taste of nostalgia and a glimpse into the rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
DANISH PEPPERNUT CHRISTMAS COOKIES (PEBERNODDER)
These are deliciously tiny, somewhat time consuming to make (but totally worth it), eaten-by-the-handful Danish shortbread cookies. This recipe was given to me by a local grandmother at the annual Scandinavian Festival in Junction City, Oregon. Stored in an airtight container, they'll last close to two weeks.
Provided by Milk Teeth
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Scandinavian
Time 30m
Yield 200
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two to three baking sheets.
- Beat the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well blended. Mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough gathers together. With floured hands, pinch off small, 1/2 teaspoon amounts of dough, roll into tiny balls, and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in preheated oven until bottom of cookies are light tan, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool 15 minutes on baking sheets. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 19.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.3 g, Cholesterol 4.3 mg, Fat 1 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 18.9 mg, Sugar 1 g
PEPPERNUTS COOKIES (PFEFFERNUSSE)
These are a German Christmas Cookie. My husband had this recipe when I met him & I have been making them for about 30 years now. They are a small, hard cookie & are great! You form these into rolls about as big around as a dime & chill, then slice thin & bake. I usually make about 1000 of these to put in Christmas goodies boxes.
Provided by Peggi Anne Tebben
Categories Other Desserts
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. Cream sugars and shortening well.
- 2. Mix in anise oil and egg.
- 3. Add coffee solution.
- 4. Add salt and spices to 1 cup of flour and sift.
- 5. Mix into batter.
- 6. Add ground pecans and enough of the remaining flour to make a stiff dough. *I've never had to use more than 6 cups of flour.
- 7. Roll into dime-size rolls, place on tray and chill.
- 8. Cut thin, spread on baking sheet and bake at 325° to 350° for 10 minutes or until hard.
MOM'S OLD FASHIONED PFEFFERNEUSSE (PEPPERNUT COOKIES)
My Greatgrandmother came to the US in 1889 from Germany and taught my mother to cook at an early age. Mother made all the famous German cookies for Christmas. Liebkuchen, Springerle, and Pfefferneusse were all baked in Late October, or early November to be ready and softened for the Holidays. Don't let the ingredient list...
Provided by Pam Ellingson
Categories Cookies
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- 1. In medium saucepan, mix glaze ingredients and boil together for 3-5 minutes to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- 2. Grind fruit and nuts individually in either an old fasioned hand grinder, or food processor, until pieces are larger than rice, but smaller than small peas. Should be fairly evenly sized. Place in Very large bowl as they are ground.
- 3. In the very Large bowl, mix ground fruit, sugar and ground nuts, peels, water and eggs together well.
- 4. Sift all dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- 5. Mix wet and dry ingredients together well, adding a little more water or flour to adjust the texture if too dry or wet. (Needs to be able to be rolled into balls.) Usually you only need to add a little water if the humidity is low and flour is dry.
- 6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- 7. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, measure out and form the dough into small walnut sized balls. Place on greased Baking sheet. (These do not spread, so you can put them close together, about 1/2 inch between cookies) Bake for 10-15 minutes until very light golden brown and set to the touch. They will feel soft, but set. Move to a cooling rack and let cool to room temp.
- 8. Dip cooled cookies into sugar glaze and let dry for 5-10 minutes,
- 9. Toss in powdered sugar to coat. Store in an airtight container for 2-4 weeks with a whole apple to soften. Check periodically to make sure the apple is not molding. If so, replace. It will shrivel as the moisture is drawn out into the cookies.
- 10. Best way to determine if they are softened is to eat one occasionally. LOL Will last almost indefinitely.
- 11. Forgot to note that these will lose their powdered sugar coating as they ripen and soften, so recoat with powdered sugar just before serving. :)
MOMMY SUGAR'S PEPPER NUTS (PFEFFERNUSSE-PEBERNODDER)
From gingerbread to Linzer, German cookies are world famous and really special. These Pfeffernusse are no different. They're filled with fall spices, chopped pecans and a bit of citrus flavor from the orange zest and citron. Molasses gives the pepper nut cookie a wonderfully chewy texture. Typically these old-fashioned cookies...
Provided by Beth Carlton
Categories Cookies
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- 1. With a heavy duty mixer, blend together eggs and sugar. Beat until creamy.
- 2. Add molasses, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat 3-4 minutes on medium speed until well blended.
- 3. Measure 4 level cups of plain flour and reserve 1/2 cup for later. Sift together remaining 3-1/2 cups plain flour, baking powder, and spices.
- 4. In a bowl, coat candied citron and nuts with the reserved 1/2 cup of plain flour.
- 5. Slowly add flour and spice mixture to batter and blend on fold/low speed just until blended.
- 6. Gently fold in citron & nuts. Dough will be very thick and sticky.
- 7. Place dough in air tight container and refrigerate overnight. This allows your spices to combine together for maximum spiciness! :)
- 8. Roll dough out onto floured surface.
- 9. Cut out with cookie cutters OR drop by rounded spoonfuls and flatten out. Decorate as desired.
- 10. Place on a cookie-sheet coated with cooking spray or parchment paper.
- 11. Bake 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Edges should be slightly browned.
PEPPER NUTS PFEFFERNUSSE
Whether called Pfeffernusse in Germany, Pebernodder in Denmark or Peppernotter in Sweden, these spicy drop cookies are found throughout Northern Europe at Christmas time.
Provided by Olha7397
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 9 doz
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- FOR THE PFEFFERNUSSE: Beat eggs with both sugars until mixture is very thick and almost white. Add lemon rind, fruit, peel, and almonds and mix well. Sift flour with baking powder and spices and stir into egg mixture.
- Knead on a floured board until smooth. Shape into long rolls about 1 inch in diameter and cut into 1/2 to 3/4 inch slices. Arrange on 3 or 4 large buttered cookie sheets and let DRY uncovered in a cool room or refrigerator overnight.
- Just before baking, turn over each cookie and sprinkle with rum, brandy, or arrack.
- Bake in preheated 300°F oven for about 20 minutes.
- Roll each cookie in confectioner's sugar while warm, or let cool and ice.
- These last for weeks if stored in an airtight container. Makes about 9 dozen cookies.
- VARIATION: Any of spices mentioned are optional and to taste. Candied fruits are usually omitted in Scandinavia and 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered ginger is substituted for pepper.
- In Pennsylvania Dutch country this dough (Pefferniss) is allowed to ripe at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, after which it is shaped into rolls, chilled and cut as described. It is then baked without being dried.
- FOR THE WHITE SUGAR GLAZE: For cookies and cakes, and especially for Lebkuchen.
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, flavoring and rum or brandy. Gradually stir in hot water, a tablespoonful at a time, until you have a smooth thick paste. Spread on warm cookies. If mixture cools and thickens as you work, thin with additional hot water. Sugar sprinkles can be scattered on the glaze before it hardens. Makes 1/4 cup, or enough to ice about fifteen 1 1/2 inch cookies.
- Visions Of Sugarplums.
Tips:
- Mise en place: Before starting, measure and prepare all ingredients. This will help ensure that everything is ready when you need it and prevent scrambling in the middle of the process.
- Freshly ground spices: Using freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground will give your Pfeffernusse a more intense flavor.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least two hours or overnight will make it easier to handle and prevent it from spreading too much while baking.
- Shape the dough: Traditionally, Pfeffernusse are shaped into small balls or ovals. However, you can also use a cookie press or rolling pin to create different shapes.
- Bake at a low temperature: Baking the Pfeffernusse at a low temperature will help them retain their shape and prevent them from burning.
- Cool completely: Let the Pfeffernusse cool completely before storing them. This will help them keep their shape and flavor.
Conclusion:
Pfeffernusse are a delicious and festive holiday cookie that is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With their unique blend of spices and nuts, these cookies are sure to make a lasting impression. So next time you're looking for a special holiday treat, give Pfeffernusse a try!
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