Pfeffernuesse
Pfeffernuesse are spiced German cookies with a chewy texture, featuring warming flavors of pepper and molasses. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat, they offer a delightful blend of sweetness and spice that appeals to those who enjoy aromatic, flavorful cookies with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, sugar, dark syrup, molasses, dissolved soda, eggs, and pepper together.
- Cool the dough and roll into long thin logs.
- Chill the logs until firm.
- Slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Roll each slice in white sugar and place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of dark syrup and molasses. Make sure to dissolve the baking soda in hot water thoroughly to ensure proper leavening. Chilling the dough thoroughly helps maintain the shape during baking, so don’t skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
Pfeffernuesse are delightful on their own but can be paired with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Miniature Pastry Shells filled with cream or fruit. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters or as a sweet treat during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pfeffernuesse in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, to refresh their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pfeffernuesse contains roughly 161 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% 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 make Pfeffernuesse gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the texture. The cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they should still turn out delicious.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer to avoid shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will change the flavor slightly, giving the cookies a richer taste, and may affect the texture, making them a bit softer.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce sweetness in Pfeffernuesse, you can decrease the amount of sugar and syrup used in the recipe. You could also add a bit more pepper or spices like ginger to enhance flavor while balancing the sweetness.
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).