Name: Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

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If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like instant holiday cheer, look no further than Pfeffernusse Cookies. These tiny, powdered sugar-dusted treats are bursting with warming spices and just the right amount of sweetness—every bite is pure nostalgia and comfort. Whether you’re new to these classic German cookies or you’ve enjoyed them since childhood, their tender texture and aromatic flavor are sure to steal the show at any festive gathering.

Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about Pfeffernusse Cookies is that every ingredient plays a starring role, building layers of spice, fragrance, and just the right texture. These pantry-friendly essentials come together to create a cookie that’s unlike any other, and you’ll taste the difference in every bite.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb for the cookies.
Baking soda: Gives the pfeffernusse a gentle lift, keeping them light and puffy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the complexity of the spices.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers comforting warmth and classic holiday flavor.
Ground cloves: Adds depth and a bold, slightly sweet note.
Ground nutmeg: Infuses a gentle spicy undertone that lingers delightfully.
Ground allspice: Contributes a unique, slightly peppery profile.
Ground black pepper: The subtle heat is what sets Pfeffernusse Cookies apart from other spice cookies.
Ground white pepper (optional): For even more warmth and gentle bite—delicious if you love a spicier cookie.
Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Packed brown sugar: Gives extra moisture and a hint of caramel sweetness.
Molasses: Creates distinct color and depth, the magic ingredient for authentic flavor.
Large egg: Binds the dough and helps it bake up beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a touch of aromatic sweetness.
Milk: Smooths out the dough and keeps the cookies tender.
Powdered sugar (for coating): That signature snowy layer that makes each cookie irresistible.

How to Make Pfeffernusse Cookies

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Get all your spices measured and ready—this makes the baking process delightfully smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, black pepper, and (if using) white pepper. This blend is the secret to the deep, complex flavor that makes Pfeffernusse Cookies utterly unforgettable.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar. Keep mixing until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this trick ensures your cookies will be tender and light.

Step 4: Incorporate Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla

Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to your creamed butter mixture. Beat until fully combined. You’ll notice the aroma immediately shift to something richly inviting—that’s when you know you’re on the right track!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, Add Milk

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Alternate with splashes of milk to keep the dough soft but not sticky. The dough should be thick and hold its shape when scooped.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and just set—don’t overbake, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still warm (but not hot), roll each cookie in powdered sugar. For that iconic snowy finish, roll them a second time after they’ve fully cooled—a little extra effort goes a long way here!

How to Serve Pfeffernusse Cookies

Garnishes

Pfeffernusse Cookies look charming with just a thick coat of powdered sugar, but you can always add a dusting of edible glitter or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. A few whole spices scattered on the platter not only look festive but also hint at the warm flavors inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with hot drinks! Serve them alongside mugs of mulled wine, spiced tea, or rich hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re hosting a cookie exchange, Pfeffernusse shine when mixed with other spice-forward cookies or classic shortbreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies in a pretty glass jar tied with ribbon for a lovely gift. For a fun twist at gatherings, build a “cookie wreath” by arranging Pfeffernusse Cookies in a circle with sprigs of rosemary and dried orange slices—guests won’t be able to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pfeffernusse Cookies actually get better after a day or two, as the spices deepen and meld together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and you’ll have a stash of soft, flavorful cookies ready whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Freezing

If you want to keep Pfeffernusse Cookies for longer, they freeze wonderfully! Arrange the cooled, sugar-dusted cookies in a freezer-safe container, layering parchment between each layer to keep them looking perfect. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for holiday planning.

Reheating

To refresh Pfeffernusse Cookies after freezing, just place them on the counter to thaw at room temperature. If you want them extra soft, you can warm them for a few seconds in the microwave, then dust again with powdered sugar if needed for a fresh, just-baked finish.

FAQs

What makes Pfeffernusse Cookies different from other holiday cookies?

The combination of black and white pepper, along with classic spices and molasses, gives Pfeffernusse Cookies their unique warmth and slight peppery kick. The double coating of powdered sugar adds a sweetness that balances the deep, spicy flavors perfectly.

Can I make Pfeffernusse Cookies without molasses?

Molasses is essential for the traditional flavor and color of Pfeffernusse, but if you’re in a pinch, you could use dark corn syrup or honey in a 1:1 swap. Just keep in mind, the flavor will be lighter and slightly different, but still delicious.

How long should I let the cookies sit before eating?

While Pfeffernusse are tasty fresh, they truly improve after a day or two! The spices mingle more deeply and the texture becomes irresistibly soft. If you can wait, let them rest in an airtight container overnight for the best experience.

Can I make Pfeffernusse Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that swaps cup-for-cup and contains xanthan gum for best results. The cookies may be a bit more delicate but just as tasty.

Why do you roll them in powdered sugar twice?

The first roll, while the cookies are warm, helps some of the sugar melt into the surface for sweetness all the way through. The second roll, after they’re cooled, gives them that classic, snowy look that everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Pfeffernusse Cookies yet, you’re in for a heartfelt treat. They fill your kitchen with the coziest aroma and bring a touch of German tradition right to your table. I hope you whip up a batch soon and share them with all your favorite people—because nothing says “welcome to the holidays” quite like these delightful little cookies.

Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 39 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pfeffernusse Cookies are a delightful German treat, perfect for the holiday season. They are spiced with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice, and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and both peppers.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until a thick dough forms.
Shape dough: Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until puffed and set.
Cool and coat: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Roll cookies in powdered sugar while still warm. Once cooled, roll again for a thicker coating.