**Pfeffernusse - A Journey Through History and Taste**
Pfeffernusse, a traditional German Christmas cookie, has captivated taste buds for centuries with its unique blend of spices and distinct peppery flavor. Originating in the Thuringian Forest region of Germany, this delectable treat has become a beloved holiday staple across the country and beyond. Pfeffernusse's rich history and captivating taste profile make it a culinary gem worth exploring. This article presents a collection of carefully curated Pfeffernusse recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic cookie. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to modern interpretations with unexpected flavor combinations, these recipes cater to every palate and skill level. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, let Pfeffernusse transport you to a world of festive flavors and create cherished holiday memories.
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
TRADITIONAL PFEFFERNUESSE
Tiny anise-flavored spice nuggets are a Christmas tradition in many families of German heritage.
Provided by Land O'Lakes
Yield 36 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Combine butter, sugar, brown sugar, and molasses in bowl; beat at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until creamy.
- Combine water and coffee granules in another bowl; stir until dissolved. Add coffee mixture and all remaining ingredients except flour; continue beating until well mixed. Add flour; beat at low speed until well mixed. Cover; refrigerate at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Divide dough into 10 portions (about 1/4 cup dough each). Roll 1 portion at a time into 18x1/2-inch rope on lightly floured surface. Cut each rope into 1/2-inch pieces with sharp knife. Place pieces 1/2 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8-9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and cookies are set.
- Place waxed paper on top of cooling racks. Loosen cookies with spatula; spread onto waxed paper. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar or sugar, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 80 calories, Fat 3 grams, SaturatedFat grams, Transfat grams, Cholesterol 15 milligrams, Sodium 60 milligrams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Sugar grams, Protein 1 grams
PFEFFERNUSSE
How to make authentic Pfeffernusse! These traditional German iced gingerbread cookies are made with white pepper, cinnamon, and are a classic Holiday treat.
Provided by Julia Foerster
Categories Cookie
Time P1DT32m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a measuring jug, combine flour and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, honey, brown sugar, cloves, all-spice, cinnamon, and finely ground white pepper. Bring to a boil, then take off the heat and quickly stir flour into the mixture.
- Let the dough cool to room temperature, then form into a ball and wrap with plastic wrap. Let sit in a cool space for at least overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Divide dough into four parts and roll each into a 1/2-inch thick log. Cut each log into 8 pieces and roll them into a small ball. Place balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the lover half of the oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Let cookies cool to room temperature.
- To make the glaze: In a medium bowl, beat egg white with 1 tablespoon of honey. Gradually sift in 1 cup powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Dip cookies in the glaze then place on a rack set up over a baking sheet until coating hardens.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 86 kcal, Carbohydrate 16 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 6 mg, Sodium 20 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 10 g, ServingSize 1 serving
PFEFFERNUESSE
These mild spice cookies, perfect for dunking, come from an old family recipe. The dough sits overnight to let the spices blend. The extraordinary flavors make these a holiday classic. —Betty Hawkshaw, Alexandria, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield 8 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. In a bowl, combine corn syrup, molasses and water; set aside. Combine the flour, aniseed, baking soda and spices; add to creamed mixture alternately with molasses mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. , Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 11 minutes or until golden brown. Roll warm cookies in confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 69 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 32mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g 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.
PFEFFERNUSSE (GERMAN PEPPER NUT COOKIES )
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
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.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use a combination of light and dark molasses.
- If you don't have any baking ammonia on hand, you can substitute baking powder plus baking soda. Increase baking powder to 2 teaspoons and omit baking ammonia.
- To make sure your pfeffernusse are evenly baked, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
- Pfeffernusse can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Pfeffernusse are a delicious and festive holiday cookie. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their unique flavor and texture, pfeffernusse are a surefire hit at any holiday party or gathering.
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