Best 10 Pepper Cookies I Recipes

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Pepper cookies, also known as pfeffernüsse or Lebkuchen, are a delightful German Christmas delicacy that originated in the Middle Ages. These bite-sized treats are traditionally made with a blend of warm spices, nuts, and candied citrus peel, resulting in a complex and flavorful experience. The dough is often left to rest for several weeks or even months before baking, allowing the flavors to deepen and mature. Pepper cookies come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from simple rounds to intricate figurines, and are often decorated with icing or a dusting of powdered sugar. This article presents three enticing recipes for pepper cookies, each with its unique variations and charm. The first recipe is a classic Pfeffernüsse, featuring a combination of black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. The second recipe, Honigpfefferkuchen, incorporates honey and almonds for a sweet and nutty flavor. Finally, the third recipe, Lebkuchenherzen, is a heart-shaped cookie decorated with colorful icing, perfect for gift-giving or festive occasions. Whether you prefer traditional or modern flavors, these pepper cookie recipes will surely add a touch of warmth and cheer to your holiday celebrations.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

CHILI PEPPER COOKIES



Chili Pepper Cookies image

Cut out to look like their namesake, these cookies were sweet treats at the celebration. We used a favorite recipe that makes a tender, slightly soft sugar cookies. By tinting the frosting and adding some colored sugar sprinkles, these can be decorated with out a lot of fuss. They really say "fiesta".-Terri Newton, Marshall, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield about 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 16

3/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter, softened
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 to 5 tablespoons milk
Green and red gel food coloring
Green and red colored sugar

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle., On a lightly floured surface, roll and pat out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-1/2-in. chili pepper shaped cookies cutter. , Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 6-8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool., In a small bowl, beat the butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk until frosting reaches desired consistency. Tint 1/3 cup green; set aside. Tint remaining frosting red. Frost "peppers" red and "stems" green; sprinkle with matching sugar.

Nutrition Facts :

BLACK PEPPER BUTTER COOKIES



Black Pepper Butter Cookies image

These are my absolute favorite cookies. A friend in college had received a huge tin of homemade cookies from her mother and a version of these cookies were inside, along with many other types of cookies. I had never heard of black pepper cookies before and loved the unique flavor-sweet & buttery, with a slight kick from the pepper. I searched for years to find the recipe and finally found it in a Watkins spices cookbook several years ago. I make these every year for the holidays and everyone always wants to know the secret of my "vanilla flecked" butter cookies. Update: Eggs sizes seem to be shrinking, so depending upon the size of the eggs in your area, you may need to use an XL egg rather than a large. Regarding the pepper: fresh ground will produce huge grains of pepper and make things far too peppery and savory tasting. Please use finely ground pre-ground black pepper in this recipe, carefully measured using a measuring spoon and leveled off.

Provided by HeatherFeather

Categories     Dessert

Time 26m

Yield 48 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sweet unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
extra sugar, for dipping glass

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients (except for the extra sugar for dipping the glass) together well using a heavy duty mixer.
  • Roll into 1/2 inch size balls-you will need three large ungreased cookie sheets, 16 balls per sheet.
  • Use the flat base of a drinking glass that has been dipped into sugar to flatten each dough ball on the cookie sheets.
  • Bake in a preheated 350 F (or 180 C) oven for 8-11 minutes or until lighly browned on the edges- do not overbake.
  • Remove to wire racks to cool.

TARALLI PUGLIESI - ITALIAN BLACK PEPPER COOKIES



Taralli Pugliesi - Italian Black Pepper Cookies image

Taralli are wonderful baked wheat flour rings that are a classic snack in Italy. Taralli are savory bites that are crispy on the outside and have flaky inside. The taste is a wonderful combination of floral olive oil and spicy black pepper with every nibble.

Provided by Angela

Categories     Appetizer     Side Dish     Snack

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons coarse ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup olive oil
additional olive oil for brushing on
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (OPTIONAL)

Steps:

  • Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Create a well in the middle to add the wet ingredients.
  • Slowly pour the water and oil into the well of the flour. Blend together and gradually incorporate into the flour using your hands. The dough will be dense.
  • Dust a working surface or cutting board with flour, To the stiff dough, knead for about 3 minutes to develop the gluten.
  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • Pull off small pieces of dough about 1 Tablespoon in size. Next, roll into ropes about 6 inches long and very narrow. Form a ring and then pinch the edges together.
  • Place them on a prepared baking sheet, nonstick or with cooking spray. Leave space between each tarallo, they do not expand very much but will a little bit.You can get a dozen on each baking sheet. You can bake one at a time or both at once - just be sure to rotate the pans halfway through and keep them as close to the center of the oven as you can.
  • Brush with oil and bake 20 minutes in the middle of your oven. The bottoms will be lightly browned.
  • Remove carefully from the baking sheet and let cool on a baking rack.
  • Enjoy immediately as a snack, appetizer, or small bite. Serve with wine or other small bites like cheese, fruit, or salumi. Great to serve on a charcuterie board or in a breadbasket.

WHITE PEPPER CHERRY COOKIES



White Pepper Cherry Cookies image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     dessert

Time 3h25m

Yield 3 dozen cookies

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
3/4 cup dried cherries

Steps:

  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, pepper and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • Beat the butter and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat on medium-low speed until just incorporated. Stir in the cherries.
  • Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap and scoop the dough on top. Using the plastic as an aide, form the dough into an even log, about 2 inches in diameter and 10 inches long. Refrigerate until very firm, at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
  • Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Unwrap the dough, place it on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut it into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Lay the rounds on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Dust very lightly with white pepper.
  • Bake the cookies until just golden on the bottom and edges, about 12 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a rack and cool completely. Repeat with any remaining cookies, cooling the baking sheets between batches.

GRANDMA ANNA'S ITALIAN PEPPER COOKIES



Grandma Anna's Italian Pepper Cookies image

Spicy and sweet old-school Italian Christmas cookie recipe, like my grandma used to make. No electric mixer needed.

Provided by DaniDee

Categories     Italian Cookies

Time 1h10m

Yield 60

Number Of Ingredients 21

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup shortening
1 cup milk
¼ cup orange juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
¾ cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons multi-colored sprinkles, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, pepper, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves for cookies together into a large bowl.
  • Place shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until melted. Pour into dry ingredients and mix with a spoon.
  • Add milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla; mix with a spoon to combine. Add raisins, chopped walnuts, and finely chopped walnuts and mix with your hands to combine. Roll dough into small balls and set 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake in batches in the preheated oven until edges are golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
  • Prepare glaze while cookies cool. Place confectioners' sugar in a bowl. Add milk, orange juice, and orange zest and mix until smooth.
  • Brush glaze onto cooled cookies or spread with a spoon. Decorate with sprinkles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.4 calories, Carbohydrate 17.6 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Fat 4.6 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 13 mg, Sugar 10.3 g

CHOCOLATE-BLACK PEPPER COOKIES



Chocolate-Black Pepper Cookies image

These crunchy cookies get a flavorful kick from black pepper and cinnamon.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes about 4 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon finely ground pepper, plus more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon good-quality instant espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Coarse sanding sugar, for rolling

Steps:

  • Sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, pepper, espresso powder, and cinnamon into a large bowl; set aside.
  • Put butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined.
  • Turn out dough onto a piece of parchment paper, and roll into a 2-inch-diameter log. Roll log in the parchment. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove log from parchment paper. Let soften slightly at room temperature, about 5 minutes. Roll log in sanding sugar, gently pressing down to adhere sugar to dough. Transfer log to a cutting board, and slice into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place rounds on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 1 inch apart. Sprinkle each round with freshly ground pepper.
  • Bake cookies until there is slight resistance when you lightly touch centers, about 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 2 days.

SPICY PEAR COOKIES



Spicy Pear Cookies image

Delicious, rich flavor with or without frosting. Top with walnut halves for a fancy touch.

Provided by Cheryl Statt

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Drop Cookie Recipes

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pear - peeled, cored and diced
½ cup raisins
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In large bowl, beat margarine and sugar untill smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and ginger; mix into batter. Stir in chopped pears, chopped nuts and raisins.
  • Drop about two inches apart by rounded tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake 15 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center springs back when lightly touched. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  • Combine confectioners' sugar and lemon juice and mix until smooth. Spoon icing over coookies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298.8 calories, Carbohydrate 52.9 g, Cholesterol 28.7 mg, Fat 9.2 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 104.4 mg, Sugar 37.3 g

BLACK PEPPER COOKIES



Black Pepper Cookies image

The not-so-secret ingredient here is 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, which adds a little kick to sweet sugar cookies. Serve these Black Pepper Cookies with our Zabaglione.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes about 2 1/2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick), softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 large egg whites, room temperature
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in center. Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; cream on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and salt. Beat in egg whites until incorporated. Combine flour and pepper in a small bowl; add to butter mixture in 3 batches, mixing until just combined.
  • Put dough in a pastry bag fitted with a 3/8-inch round tip (such as Ateco #804). Pipe 3-inch strips about 1/2 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping tip close to sheet for thin cookies. Bake until edges are golden and centers are set, about 7 minutes. Let cool on sheet 5 minutes before transferring with a spatula to a wire rack to cool completely.

PFEFFERNUSSE (GERMAN PEPPER NUT COOKIES )



Pfeffernusse (German Pepper Nut Cookies ) image

This is from Williams Sonoma and it has been a family favorite for years. It is a great twist on Gingerbread cookies.

Provided by Zookeenee

Categories     Dessert

Time 59m

Yield 24 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed anise seed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup light molasses (unsulfured)
1 egg
2 cups confectioners' sugar, for dusting (icing)

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, pepper, aniseeds, cinnamon, baking soda, allspice, nutmeg and cloves.
  • In a large bowl, using an electic mixer set on medium speed, beat together the butter, brown sugar and molasses until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
  • Beat in the egg.
  • Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in the flour mixture.
  • Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
  • Position a rack in the middle of an oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
  • Butter 2 baking sheets, scoop up pieces of dough and roll between your palms into balls 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Place the balls on the cookie sheets spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake until the cookies are golden brown on the bottom and firm to the touch, about 14 minutes.
  • Transfer the baking sheets to racks and let the cookies cool slightly on the sheets.
  • Place the confectioners' sugar in a sturdy paper bag, drop a few cookies into the bag, close the top securely, and shake gently to coat the warm cookies with the sugar.
  • Transfer to racks and let cool completely.
  • Repeat with the remaining cookies.
  • Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

PEPPER-CUMIN COOKIES



Pepper-Cumin Cookies image

These cookies combine the banality of white sugar with the intensity of black pepper, the tartness of lemon zest and the pungency of cumin. When served with fruit - fresh, roasted or stewed - they will emphasize the fruit's natural sugariness. But when accompanied by a strong cheese like Roquefort or Stilton, the cookies turn indisputably sweet. Alone, they're a delightful combination of savory-sweet-spicy, reminiscent of a rosemary shortbread.

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     cookies and bars, crackers and chips, dessert

Time 25m

Yield 30 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon black peppercorns, cracked
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, cracked
1 cup unsalted butter, softened slightly and cut into pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Put the flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, cracked peppercorns and cumin in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter and vanilla and pulse until mixture just forms a dough.
  • Place the dough on a work surface and shape into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets and flatten each cookie with the palm of your hand. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Remove from the tray and place them on a rack to cool.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 95, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 44 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients. The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your cookies will taste. This is especially true for the butter, eggs, and flour.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the dough, which will make your cookies light and airy. Be patient and cream the butter and sugar together for at least two minutes.
  • Gradually add the eggs and vanilla extract. Be sure to add the eggs one at a time, and beat well after each addition. This will help to prevent the eggs from curdling.
  • Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. This will help to prevent the dough from becoming too dry or too wet. Be sure to mix well after each addition.
  • Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a greased baking sheet. Be sure to space the cookies evenly apart, so that they have room to spread.
  • Bake the cookies in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly browned around the edges. Be sure to watch the cookies carefully, so that they don't overbake.
  • Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving. This will help them to firm up and set.

Conclusion:

Pepper cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their unique flavor and texture, pepper cookies are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give pepper cookies a try!

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