White Pfeffernusse

Prep: 720 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: German

Delicious white Pfeffernusse cookies feature a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of lemon and aromatic spices, perfect for holiday treats or festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. butter
  • 1 lb. sugar
  • 1/4 lb. almonds, chopped fine
  • 1 tsp. lemon extract
  • 2 tsp. baking ammonia, powdered
  • 1/4 tsp. cardamom
  • about 4 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together into a cookie dough.
  2. Let the dough set overnight in the refrigerator.
  3. Make into small balls and bake at 325°F for 12 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best texture, ensure the butter is softened but not melted when mixing the ingredients. If you can't find baking ammonia, you can substitute with baking soda, but the texture may differ slightly. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for additional warmth. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the almonds and replace them with an equal amount of flour.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a Holiday Frosted Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins. Enjoy them as a sweet treat during festive occasions or as a delightful snack any time of year.

Storage & Reheating

Store the baked Pfeffernusse in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain their crispness without drying them out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of White Pfeffernusse contains roughly 477 calories, with 15g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), iron (92% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 37g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

477 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.7g 29% DV
Total Fat 9.3g 12% DV
Carbs 105.5g 38% DV
Fiber 36.8g 100% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 30.7mg 1% DV
Potassium 1552.7mg 33% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 65mg 72% DV
Calcium 462.6mg 36% DV
Iron 16.6mg 92% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 nut instead of almonds?

Yes, you can substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them finely to maintain the texture of the dough. Keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor slightly, so choose one that complements the spices in the recipe.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky to form into balls, you can gradually add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Make sure not to overmix, as this can affect the final texture of the cookies.

Can I decorate these cookies?

Absolutely! Once cooled, you can drizzle them with white chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. For a festive touch, consider adding edible glitter or colored sugar. These decorations will enhance their appearance, especially for holiday events.

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).

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