Best 4 Pfeffernusse Kuchen Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Pfeffernüsse Kuchen, also known as Pepper Nut Cake, is a traditional German Christmas cake that is enjoyed during the holiday season. Believed to have originated in the 15th century, this flavorful cake is characterized by its distinct blend of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, which give it a warm and aromatic flavor. Pfeffernüsse Kuchen is typically made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and spices, and is often decorated with nuts, candied fruits, or a glaze. This versatile cake can be enjoyed on its own, paired with a cup of tea or coffee, or served as a dessert after a festive meal.

In this collection of Pfeffernüsse Kuchen recipes, you'll find a variety of traditional and modern takes on this classic holiday treat. From the classic Pfeffernüsse Kuchen with its rich and flavorful spice blend, to variations that incorporate nuts, dried fruits, or a hint of chocolate, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and beautiful photos to guide you through the baking process. Get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of Pfeffernüsse Kuchen and embrace the spirit of the holiday season with these delightful recipes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PFEFFERNUSSE



Pfeffernusse image

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

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
6 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp all-spice
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp finely ground white pepper
1 egg white
1 Tbsp honey
1 cup powdered sugar

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

GERMAN PFEFFERNUESSE



German Pfeffernuesse image

Looking for a distinctive German dessert? Then check out these delicious cookies made with molasses - a tasty treat.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 3h

Yield 240

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon anise oil, if desired
Powdered sugar

Steps:

  • In large bowl, combine sugar, butter, buttermilk and molasses; beat well. Add flour and all remaining ingredients except powdered sugar; mix until well blended. Cover dough with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 2 hours for easier handling.
  • Heat oven to 350°F. On floured surface, shape dough into 4 long rolls, 15 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. With serrated knife, cut rolls into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place 1/4 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
  • Bake at 350°F. for 8 to 9 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets; place on wire racks. Cool 5 minutes or until completely cooled. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 50, Carbohydrate 8 g, Cholesterol 4 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 4 Cookies, Sodium 30 mg, Sugar 4 g

PFEFFERNUSSE



Pfeffernusse image

These nut-sized cookies are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper. They are called Pepperkaker, in Norway.

Provided by Kristi

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     German

Yield 96

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ cup butter, softened
1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
¾ cup finely chopped almonds

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Stir in dry ingredients 1/2 cup at a time. Add almonds, if desired.
  • Roll into one inch balls and arrange 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 11 to 14 minutes.
  • Cool and store in airtight containers for 3 days to mellow flavors.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 50.7 calories, Carbohydrate 7.1 g, Cholesterol 7.7 mg, Fat 2.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 42.4 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

GERMAN SPICE COOKIES (PFEFFERNUSSE)



German Spice Cookies (Pfeffernusse) image

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

2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup whole milk, plus more if needed
1/4 teaspoon kirsch or other cherry-flavored liqueur, optional
Coarsely ground pink peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon luster dust, preferably metallic
1/4 teaspoon kirsch

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:

  • Use fresh ingredients. The fresher the ingredients, the better your pfeffernusse kuchen will taste. This is especially true for the spices, which can lose their flavor over time.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the pfeffernusse kuchen tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Let the pfeffernusse kuchen cool completely before serving. This will help the flavors to develop and will make the kuchen easier to slice.
  • Store the pfeffernusse kuchen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pfeffernusse kuchen for up to 2 months.

Conclusion:

Pfeffernusse kuchen is a delicious and festive holiday treat. It's easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its combination of warm spices and sweet dough, pfeffernusse kuchen is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

Related Topics