Delight in the warm, spiced sweetness of Pfeffernüsse, a classic German holiday cookie that's as festive as it is flavorful. These bite-sized treats are infused with a medley of aromatic spices—cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of black pepper—that give them their signature kick. Rich molasses and honey provide depth, while a coating of powdered sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness to every soft, chewy bite. Easy to make in just 15 minutes of prep time, these cookies are baked to perfection in under 12 minutes, making them an ideal addition to your holiday baking lineup. Serve Pfeffernüsse with a cozy cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy a taste of tradition! Perfect for cookie gift boxes or festive gatherings, this recipe yields 36 delightful cookies that are sure to become a family favorite.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and ground black pepper. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the molasses, honey, and egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned and set. Do not overbake, as they will firm up as they cool.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Enjoy your homemade Pfeffernüsse with a warm cup of tea or coffee!
Calories |
3320 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 107.1 g | 137% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.2 g | 316% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 477 mg | 159% | |
| Sodium | 1934 mg | 84% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 561.4 g | 204% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.3 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 322.6 g | ||
| Protein | 39.1 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 386 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 20.4 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 1788 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.