Indulge in the delectable flavors of Pfeffernüsse Cookies, a traditional German treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. These bite-sized cookies, also known as "pepper nuts," are characterized by their distinctive spicy-sweet flavor profile, achieved through a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Pfeffernüsse Cookies are a versatile culinary creation, with variations in recipes that cater to diverse preferences. Whether you prefer a classic rendition or a contemporary twist, this article presents an enticing collection of Pfeffernüsse Cookie recipes, each offering a unique taste experience. From the traditional German Pfeffernüsse Cookies, featuring a combination of molasses, honey, and a medley of spices, to the gluten-free Pfeffernüsse Cookies, tailored for individuals with dietary restrictions, this article provides a comprehensive exploration of these beloved cookies. Additionally, the Vegan Pfeffernüsse Cookies offer a delightful plant-based alternative, while the Pfeffernüsse Cookies with Chocolate Glaze add a touch of indulgence with a rich chocolate coating.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PFEFFERNUESSE COOKIES
A German holiday tradition, these fragrant cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.-Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 50m
Yield 10 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine molasses, honey, butter and shortening. Cook and stir over medium heat until melted. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. Stir in eggs and extract., Combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, pepper and salt. Gradually add molasses mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight., Preheat oven to 325°. Roll dough into 1-in. balls. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove cookies to wire racks. Roll warm cookies in confectioners' sugar. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 42 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 31mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
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.
PFEFFERNüSSE (GERMAN "PEPPER-NUT" CHRISTMAS COOKIES)
The name "Pfeffernüsse" translates to pepper-nut, even though these cookies don't contain either. Back in the day, "pepper" was a generic name for any type of spice, and these were were called "nuts" because they looked like nuts! Misleading names aside, I think this is the best Christmas cookie of all time. They're soft and chewy with a thin, crisp icing and the perfect combination of warming winter spices. Pack up a tin and share these delicious cookies with family and friends!
Provided by Chef John
Categories German Cookies
Time P1DT1h50m
Yield 52
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Combine white and brown sugars in a saucepan with honey, water, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper. Place over medium heat and whisk until the sugars dissolve and it just starts to simmer, 1 to 2 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and let cool for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add salt, baking soda, heavy cream, and egg and whisk until thoroughly combined. Add flour and stir together with a wooden spoon until everything comes together as a dough.
- Transfer dough to a piece of plastic wrap. Press into a ball and wrap tightly. Place in the refrigerator and let rest for 1 to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from the refrigerator and scoop into rounded teaspoons. Roll each one into a smooth ball if desired, and place on a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the center of the preheated oven until cookies are perfectly dome-shaped with light golden brown bottoms, 9 to 10 minutes; don't overbake. Let cool on the pan all the way down to room temperature, 20 to 30 minutes.
- While the cookies are cooling, repeat Steps 5 and 6 to shape and bake the remaining cookies.
- Make icing by placing powdered sugar in a bowl. Stir in lemon juice, a few teaspoons at a time, until icing is very thick, but still slightly runny.
- Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing. Let it drip, then flip it over and place on a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper and let harden.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 67.7 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 0.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 81.8 mg
Tips:
- Follow the recipe carefully and ensure all ingredients are measured accurately.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Preheat the oven to the correct temperature before baking.
- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough before baking for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
- Bake the cookies until they are just set but still soft in the center. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing. This helps them to firm up and develop their full flavor.
Conclusion:
Pfeffernusse cookies are a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their unique blend of spices and nuts, they are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes provide you with all the information you need to create perfect pfeffernusse cookies. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the irresistible taste of these classic German cookies.
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