Best 4 Spiced German Cookies Recipes

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**Spiced German Cookies: A Journey Through Flavors and Traditions**

Embark on a culinary adventure with our exquisite collection of spiced German cookies, where each bite unveils a symphony of flavors and a glimpse into Germany's rich baking heritage. From the classic Pfeffernüsse, characterized by their distinct peppery notes, to the aromatic Zimtsterne, adorned with delicate cinnamon and almonds, these cookies are a testament to the country's love for spices and intricate craftsmanship. Discover the secrets behind Lebkuchen, a soft and chewy gingerbread, and be captivated by the elegance of Spritzgebäck, with its intricate shapes and buttery texture. Each recipe is a masterpiece, promising a delightful journey through German cookie traditions.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

SPICED GERMAN COOKIES



Spiced German Cookies image

These buttery spice cookies are a cross between sugar cookies and gingerbread, creating the best of both worlds. -April Drasin, Van Nuys, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon each ground cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup slivered almonds

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extracts. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, spices and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture., Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to roll., Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 3-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Decorate tops with almonds, pressing to adhere., Bake 9-11 minutes or until light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 78 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 60mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

GERMAN SPICE COOKIES



German Spice Cookies image

These chewy spice cookies are great with coffee and taste even better the next day. The recipe has been a family favorite for more than 40 years.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 20m

Yield 3-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 large eggs
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add the brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon and pepper. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the egg mixture. Stir in raisins and walnuts. , Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until surface cracks. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 105mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

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.

PFEFFERNUSSE COOKIES



Pfeffernusse Cookies image

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

½ cup molasses
¼ cup honey
¼ cup shortening
¼ cup margarine
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons anise extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

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

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality spices. Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves will give your cookies the most intense flavor.
  • Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Chill the dough before baking. This will help the cookies keep their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
  • Bake the cookies at a moderate temperature. This will help them bake evenly without burning.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. This will help them keep their shape and flavor.

Conclusion:

Spiced German cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their warm spices and sweet flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a special treat, be sure to give these cookies a try!

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