Pfeffernüsse Recipe: A Festive Treat for the Holidays
The aroma of warm spices and the delicate crunch of Pfeffernüsse – these traditional German Christmas cookies are a festive delight that will transport you to a winter wonderland with every bite. This recipe guides you through making these iconic cookies, perfect for sharing during the holiday season or simply enjoying a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 30-40 cookies, depending on size. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened - The foundation for a rich and tender cookie.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar - Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs - Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup molasses - Provides a deep, complex flavor and moisture. Dark molasses will intensify the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves - A quintessential Pfeffernüsse spice.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Adds warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Provides a subtle, warming note.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice - Adds a touch of complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom - Offers a unique, aromatic flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - Contributes to the warming spice blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt - Balances the sweetness.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour - Provides structure to the cookies. You may need slightly more or less depending on the humidity.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda - Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly ground, optional) - Adds a unique, subtle spicy kick, traditional to some recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses.
- Combine Spices: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, ginger, salt, and black pepper (if using).
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beginning with the flour and baking soda. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for easier handling and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about ¾ inch in diameter). If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands.
- Bake: Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Pfeffernüsse:
- Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. More ginger or cloves will make them more intensely spiced.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies. Start checking for doneness at 10 minutes.
- Storage: Pfeffernüsse store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Their flavor actually improves over time.
Serving Suggestions:
Pfeffernüsse are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter. Enjoy!
This recipe will help you create delicious and memorable Pfeffernüsse. Happy baking!
