The aroma of spices, the gentle warmth of the oven, and the barely contained excitement of little hands. Reaching for just one more. .. that’s Christmas in our house, and it always starts with Grandma Elsie’s Pfeffernüsse. These aren’t your average sugar cookies. They are delicious. They’re tiny explosions of holiday cheer, bursting with cinnamon, cloves, and a whisper of nutmeg. Imagine a gingerbread cookie, but smaller, rounder, and dusted with snowy blanket of powdered sugar. Seriously, these are theGerman Christmas cookies recipes.What is the real deal with cutout cookies? Pfeffernüsse are addictive. Is it true that you sneak a few cookies every time you walk past the cookie jar?

What is Pfeffernüsse

Pfeffernüsse, which literally translates to “pepper nuts,” are small, round spice cookies. They are made of sugar and are baked in a Christmas is traditionally celebrated in Germany and other parts of Europe. Why is pepper not spicy? What is the difference between pepper and other spices? Think of it as a cozy hug in cookie form. What makes this cookie unique? Every family has their own version, and this one’s been passed down for generations.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best cookie recipes? What are some of the best Pfeffernüsse?

Flavor Explosion:What is the combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and anise? What’s a complex, warming flavor profile that screams “Christmas! My grandpa always said they taste like “Christmas morning in a cookie” and honestly, he’s not.
SurprisinglyWhat are some of the best spices to make these cookies? How do you make a doughnut? Plus, they last for ages, making them perfect for gifting (or hoarding, I won’t judge!).
Budget friendlyWhat are some pantry staples? What is a good recipe to make when you’re on budget but still want to create ‘a festive treat’?
Seriously Addictive: Fair warning, these cookies are hard to resist. They’re the perfect size for popping in your mouth, and the flavor is so satisfying. What I love most about this recipe is how it perfectly balances spice and sweetness. They aren’t cloyingly sugary like some Christmas cookies, which means you can enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea without feeling overwhelmed.

How do I make pfeffernüsse

Quick Overview

Is it easier to make pfeffernüsse than you think? You simply mix together the dry ingredients, then the wet, combine them, let the dough rest, roll out. Make small balls, bake, and dust with powdered sugar. What is the best way to let dough rest for at least a couple of hours? What is the best way to combine spices in a cookie? What is the hardest part of resting time?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: Why is it important to

I always use unbleached flour for the best flavor. I’ve never used a whole wheat flour.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps give the cookies a nice, light texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: For extra lift and a slightly softer bite.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Don’t skimp on the cinnamon! It’s a key component of the spice blend.
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way with clove, so don’t overdo it.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty note.
1/4 teaspoon ground anise seed: This is what gives Pfeffernüsse their signature flavor. If you’re not a fan of anise, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether, but I highly recommend trying it!
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper: This might sound strange, but it adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure the butter is properly softened, but not melted.
1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and structure.
1/2 cup honey: Adds moisture and a lovely caramel note.
1/4 cup molasses: This gives the cookies a rich, dark color and slightly chewy texture.
To bind the ingredients together. 1 large egg: To make a paste.
I prefer using real vanilla extract. What makes a difference?

For the Glaze:

4 cups powdered sugar: For the classic snowy dusting.
1/4 cup milk: You can also use water or lemon juice for a slightly different flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, but adds a nice touch.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you prevent cookies from sticking to your cookie? I always use parchment paper, it’s a lifesaver!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside. What are some of the best spices to use: cinnamon, anise seed, Make sure everything is well combined. How do you distribute spices evenly in dough?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, honey, and molasses until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. I like to use a stand mixer for this step, but you can also use a hand mixer or even a wooden spoon (just be prepared for a little arm workout!).

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. The dough will be quite stiff.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Is it safe to What are the best spices to make a cookie? This step is crucial!

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Don’t overbake!

Step 7: Glaze

Let cool slightly on the baking sheets before glazing. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each cookie in the glaze and place on a wire rack to dry. Let the glaze harden completely before serving. The glaze is what gives them that beautiful, festive look.

Step 8: Slice & Serve

These are best served at room temperature with a cup of coffee or Hot Chocolate. They also make a great addition to a Christmas cookie platter. Honestly, I love sneaking a few with a glass of milk before bed. It’s the perfect way to end a cozy evening.

What to Serve It With

Pfeffernüsse are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

For Breakfast: These are wonderful with a strong cup of black coffee. The spices complement the coffee beautifully and give you a warm, cozy start to the day.

For Brunch: Serve them on a platter with other Christmas cookies, pastries, and fruit for a festive brunch spread. They look especially elegant when arranged artfully on a tiered serving tray.

As Dessert: These are perfect as an after-dinner treat. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent dessert. A little drizzle of caramel sauce wouldn’t hurt either!

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of Hot Chocolate on a cold winter evening. They’re the perfect comfort food!

In our family, we always serve them with warm spiced cider. It’s a tradition that goes back generations, and it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pfeffernüsse

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you make the perfect Pfeffernüsse every time.

Spice Quality: Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor. Spices lose their potency over time, so it’s worth buying new ones every year, especially around the holidays.

Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling time! This is crucial for allowing the spices to meld together and creating a richer, more flavorful cookie. The longer you chill the dough, the better the cookies will be.

Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They should be lightly golden brown, but not overbaked. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.

Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve the desired consistency. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the cookies, but not so thick that it’s difficult to spread.

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for several days. I always hide a few from the family so I can have some for myself!
My biggest lesson learned? Don’t try to rush the chilling process. I once tried to cut it short by popping the dough in the freezer, and the cookies ended up with a weird texture. Patience is key with these!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is essential for keeping your Pfeffernüsse fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the cookies from drying out.

Refrigerator Storage: You can also store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Again, make sure they’re in an airtight container.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cookies, it’s best to glaze them after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky.

I’ve found that freezing them without the glaze works best. Then, just whip up a fresh batch of glaze when you’re ready to serve. They taste just as good as the day you made them!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There is no zucchini in this recipe

Can I make this as muffins instead?

I haven’t tried making these as muffins, but I don’t see why not! You would need to adjust the baking time, as muffins typically bake for a shorter amount of time than cookies. Keep a close eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or honey. You can also substitute a natural sweetener, such as stevia or erythritol. Just be sure to adjust the amount accordingly, as these sweeteners are often sweeter than sugar.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or sprinkle them with chopped nuts.

Final Thoughts

These Pfeffernüsse are more than just cookies; they’re a taste of tradition, a symbol of family, and a reminder of the joy of the holiday season. I truly believe that these are the only German Christmas Cookie recipes you’ll ever need. They’re simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. And if you enjoy the warm spices in these, you might also want to check out my Lebkuchen recipe – it’s another German Christmas classic! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of Pfeffernüsse!