Pfeffernuss Cookies
Delicious spiced Pfeffernuss Cookies feature warm cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and citrus peel, offering a festive, aromatic treat perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt together.
- Add the brown sugar and beat with a spoon until the mixture is thick.
- Add the sifted flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper.
- Stir in the citron or candied lemon peel until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Chill the dough.
- Form the chilled dough into small balls about 3/4-inch thick between the palms of your hands.
- Bake the cookies on a cookie sheet in a 375°F oven for about 8 minutes.
- Remove baked cookies and place them into a bag containing powdered sugar.
- Shake the bag for about a minute to coat the cookies with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough. If you don't have citron, candied orange peel works well as a substitute. Ensure your dough is chilled sufficiently before baking to maintain the shape of the cookies. For a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of pepper slightly or add a pinch of nutmeg for depth.
Serving Suggestions
These Pfeffernuss cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters or as gifts during the festive season. For a unique dessert experience, serve them alongside Swedish Christmas Cookies(Meringues) for a delightful variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pfeffernuss cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them in a zip-top bag, where they can last for up to three months. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pfeffernuss Cookies contains roughly 996 calories, with 6g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1837mg per serving (80% 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 white sugar instead of brown sugar?
While brown sugar adds a rich flavor and moisture, you can substitute it with white sugar. However, the cookies may be less chewy and have a lighter color. To mimic the molasses flavor of brown sugar, add a tablespoon of molasses to the white sugar.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be slightly firm on the edges but soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Just ensure it's well-chilled before shaping and baking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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).