Pepper Nuts
Pepper Nuts are spicy, crunchy cookies infused with black pepper, cinnamon, and ginger, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a flavorful treat for those who enjoy bold spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, Crisco, and sorghum.
- Sift dry ingredients (soda, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking powder, flour) together.
- Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and mix until very stiff.
- On waxed paper, shape the dough into rolls 1-inch in diameter.
- Chill the rolls overnight.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch slices.
- Bake the slices at 375°F for 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using freshly ground black pepper instead of pre-ground. If you want a sweeter cookie, you can substitute half of the sugar with brown sugar for added moisture and flavor. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly; this step is crucial for achieving the right texture. For an interesting twist, experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for additional warmth. These cookies pair beautifully with Jumbles(Sugar Cookies).
Serving Suggestions
These pepper nuts make a delightful treat on their own or can be served alongside coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider presenting them on a platter with other holiday cookies or pairing them with a rich cream cheese frosting for dipping. They can also complement savory dishes, making them great for cheese boards or as a unique appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked pepper nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag, where they will last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepper Nuts contains roughly 473 calories, with 14g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2078mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fat instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute Crisco with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If using butter, make sure it's softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. Keep in mind that this may alter the final texture slightly, but it will still yield delicious results.
Is it necessary to chill the dough overnight?
Chilling the dough is essential for the right texture and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. If you're short on time, chilling for at least 2-3 hours can still produce good results, but overnight is ideal for optimal flavor development.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch, while dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can introduce a touch of sweetness. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if adding more ingredients, so the dough maintains its structure.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).