Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that belongs to traditional German cuisine. These small, round cookies are packed with warm spices, creating a flavorful explosion in your mouth with each bite. They are typically made during the festive season, but are delicious enough to be enjoyed all year round.
The unique blend of spices is what gives Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies their distinctive flavor. While most of these spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are commonly found in many households, some, like allspice, cardamom, and white pepper, might not be. If you're heading to the supermarket, be sure to check if you have these in your pantry.
Ingredients for Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
Dark molasses: This sweet syrup is responsible for the rich flavor and moist texture of the cookies.
Honey: Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness and contributes to the cookies' velvety texture.
White granulated sugar: This common ingredient helps sweeten the cookies.
Ground spices: The combination of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, white pepper, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg gives these cookies their unique spicy kick.
Whole milk: Milk binds the dry ingredients together, creating a smooth dough.
Baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft texture.
Egg: The egg provides structure and helps hold the cookies together.
All purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookie dough.
Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, powdered sugar adds a sweet finishing touch to the cookies.
Lemon juice: A hint of citrus in the glaze cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavors.
One reader, Drusilla Riddle says:
These pfeffernüsse spice cookies are a delightful treat! The blend of spices creates a warm and comforting flavor, and the glaze adds a perfect touch of sweetness. The cookies are easy to make and turned out beautifully. I can't wait to share them with my friends and family!
Techniques Required for Making Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
How to prepare the dough: Mix the warm molasses, honey, and sugar in a saucepan, then add the spices and salt. Let it cool, then stir in the milk, baking soda, and egg. Add the flour and knead until the dough comes together.
How to roll the dough into balls: Pinch off about a teaspoon of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball using your hands.
How to make the glaze: Stir together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water until smooth.
How to glaze the cookies: Brush the hot cookies with the glaze, ensuring the tops and sides are covered. Let the glaze dry before transferring the cookies to a cooling rack.
How To Make Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
Delight in a wonderful treat with these pfeffernüsse spice cookies. These German Christmas cookies are brushed with a lemony sugar glaze for a sweet finish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupdark molasses,not blackstrap
- ¼cuphoney
- 6tbspwhite granulated sugar
- 1tspground cinnamon
- ½tspground cardamom
- ½tspground ginger
- ½tspground white pepper
- ¼tspground allspice
- ¼tspground cloves
- ¼tspground nutmeg
- ¼tspsalt
- 2tbspwhole milk,cold from the refrigerator
- 1tspbaking soda
- 1large egg,cold from the refrigerator
- 2½cupall purpose flour
For Glaze:
- 1cuppowdered sugar,sifted
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1tbspwater
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon baking mat.
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Warm the molasses, honey, and sugar in a medium-sized saucepan, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the spices and salt. Let cool until just warm to the touch.
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Stir in the milk, baking soda, and egg. Add the flour and stir until most of the flour is absorbed. Using hands, knead the dough until the remaining flour is incorporated.
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Pinch off about a teaspoon of dough and roll a 1-inch ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the balls of dough 1-inch apart from each other.
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Bake in the oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottom of the cookies are just starting to brown.
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Stir together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water to make the glaze.
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Once the cookies are done baking, pull the pan out of the oven and brush the hot cookies with the glaze, making sure to cover as much of the tops and sides as possible. Don’t worry if some of the glaze drips onto the baking sheet.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet until the glaze is dry to the touch, then move to a cooling rack.
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The cookies improve (the spices mellow and the texture softens) after 1 to 2 days in a sealed airtight container.
Nutrition
- Calories: 62.78kcal
- Fat: 0.23g
- Saturated Fat: 0.07g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.06g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.06g
- Carbohydrates: 14.35g
- Fiber: 0.28g
- Sugar: 8.20g
- Protein: 1.01g
- Cholesterol: 4.73mg
- Sodium: 46.42mg
- Calcium: 8.29mg
- Potassium: 44.69mg
- Iron: 0.52mg
- Vitamin A: 2.36µg
- Vitamin C: 0.18mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
When making your pfeffernüsse spice cookies, it's essential to let the molasses, honey, and sugar mixture cool down before adding the egg. If the mixture is too hot, it could start to cook the egg, which would affect the texture of your cookies. Also, when glazing the cookies, ensure they are still hot. The heat helps the glaze to spread evenly and absorb into the cookies, enhancing their flavor. Lastly, remember that these cookies improve with age. Storing them in an airtight container for a couple of days allows the spices to mellow and the texture to soften, resulting in a more flavorful and enjoyable cookie.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the recipe to streamline the process.
Chill the dough: After preparing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle and shape.
Use a cookie scoop: Utilize a cookie scoop to portion the dough, ensuring uniform cookie sizes and reducing shaping time.
Bake in batches: If your oven space allows, bake the cookies in multiple batches to save time and ensure even baking.
Plan ahead: Make the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking to save time on the day of baking.
Set up a glazing station: Prepare a designated area for glazing the cookies to streamline the process and minimize cleanup.
Double the recipe: If time allows, consider doubling the recipe to have extra cookies on hand for later enjoyment.
Substitute Ingredients For Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies Recipe
dark molasses - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for molasses in this recipe to add sweetness and moisture, although it may result in a slightly different flavor profile.
white granulated sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for white granulated sugar to add a hint of molasses flavor and a slightly deeper sweetness to the recipe.
ground cardamom - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used as a substitute for cardamom to add a warm and sweet flavor with a hint of spice to the cookies.
ground white pepper - Substitute with black pepper: Black pepper can be used as a substitute for white pepper to add a mild heat and pungent flavor to the cookies.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a substitute for whole milk to maintain the moisture and richness in the recipe while adding a subtle nutty flavor.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour to add a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture to the cookies.
Presenting Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
Elevate the plating: Arrange the Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies in a circular pattern on a pristine white plate, creating a visually appealing display.
Incorporate garnishes: Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar around the cookies to add a touch of elegance and contrast to the dark cookies.
Add a touch of color: Place a small, fresh sprig of mint on the plate to introduce a pop of green, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Utilize negative space: Ensure there is ample space between each cookie to allow the individual beauty of each one to shine through.
Present with precision: Use a small, delicate brush to carefully apply the glaze to the cookies, ensuring a flawless and glossy finish.
Use high-quality serveware: Select a sophisticated and refined serving platter to complement the cookies and enhance the overall presentation.
Consider the sensory experience: Place the plate in a strategic location to allow the aroma of the spices to entice the judges as they approach.
Highlight the glaze: Use soft, diffused lighting to accentuate the sheen of the glaze, creating an enticing visual allure.
Essential Tools for Making Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
- Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking vessel with a handle and a lid, used for cooking on the stovetop. It is commonly used for heating liquids, making sauces, and cooking grains.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet, also known as a sheet pan, is a flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and cooking in the oven. It is essential for making cookies, pastries, and roasting vegetables.
- Parchment paper or silicon baking mat: Parchment paper or a silicon baking mat is used to line baking sheets to prevent food from sticking. It provides a non-stick surface and makes for easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack: A cooling rack is a metal grid used to cool baked goods such as cookies and cakes. It allows air to circulate around the food, preventing sogginess and ensuring even cooling.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients. It is essential for mixing the glaze and incorporating air into batters and sauces.
- Mixing bowl: Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters. They come in various sizes and are typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure ingredients for baking. They ensure precision in recipes and help achieve consistent results.
- Pastry brush: A pastry brush is used for applying glazes, butter, or egg wash to baked goods. It is essential for evenly coating the pfeffernüsse cookies with the glaze.
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for tasks such as grinding spices, mixing dough, and blending ingredients. It can be used to combine the pfeffernüsse cookie dough efficiently.
- Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking and cooking food by surrounding it with dry heat. It is essential for baking the pfeffernüsse spice cookies to perfection.
How To Store and Freeze Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for pfeffernüsse spice cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing. This will ensure they maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Store the pfeffernüsse in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The spices will mellow and the texture will soften over time, enhancing the overall flavor.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies:
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen pfeffernüsse, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them come to room temperature, which should take about 30 minutes to an hour.
- If you prefer a slightly warm cookie, you can reheat the thawed pfeffernüsse in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen cookies, as this can affect their texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
To reheat pfeffernüsse spice cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. This method will help restore their original texture and bring out the flavors of the spices.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or even soggy.
For a quicker and more convenient method, you can reheat the cookies in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp.
If you want to add a touch of freshness to your reheated pfeffernüsse, consider brushing them with a little bit of honey or molasses before warming them up. This will help to enhance their flavor and give them a nice shine.
For a more indulgent treat, you can also serve the reheated cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The combination of warm, spicy cookies and cool, creamy toppings is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Random Fact About Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
Pfeffernüsse cookies are a traditional German treat often enjoyed during the holiday season. They are known for their blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, which give them their distinctive flavor. These cookies are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect accompaniment to a cozy winter afternoon.
Is Making Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this pfeffernüsse spice cookies recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in most households, and the yield of cookies is substantial. The spices used are versatile and can be used in various other recipes, making it a worthwhile investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 9/10, considering its affordability, delicious flavor, and the joy it brings to the table.
Are Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pfeffernüsse spice cookies recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar content from the molasses, honey, and white granulated sugar. The recipe also uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutritional benefits of whole grain flours. On the positive side, the cookies do contain a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg, which offer some antioxidants and potential health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by replacing some of the white granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative to reduce the overall fat content
- Experiment with reducing the amount of molasses and honey, as they are still forms of added sugar
- Brush the cookies with a glaze made from Greek yogurt and powdered sugar, which will add protein and reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the pfeffernüsse spice cookies while still maintaining their delightful flavor and texture. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying these cookies as an occasional treat can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful German Cookie Recipe
The pfeffernüsse spice cookies recipe is a delightful blend of warm spices and sweetness. The combination of molasses, honey, and a medley of spices creates a rich and aromatic dough, while the glaze adds a tangy and sweet finish. The cookies are perfectly spiced and have a lovely texture, making them a delightful treat for the holiday season or any time of year. The recipe's straightforward instructions make it accessible for bakers of all levels, and the cookies only get better with time, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful addition to any baking repertoire.
Enhance Your Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies Recipe:
This recipe for pfeffernüsse spice cookies is a delightful blend of traditional flavors and aromatic spices, creating a truly authentic experience. The combination of dark molasses and honey adds depth and richness, while the blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and other spices creates a harmonious symphony of flavors. The meticulous instructions ensure a perfect balance of texture and taste, resulting in irresistible cookies. With a time-tested method and carefully selected ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver the true essence of spice cookies and is sure to become a cherished favorite.
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