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Traditional pfeffernusse spice cookies with a white glaze on a rustic wooden table

Pfeffernusse

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5 from 20 reviews

Description

These authentic German spice cookies utilize a unique combination of dark molasses, wildflower honey, and white pepper to create a deeply aromatic, warming treat. Finished with a bright lemon-infused glaze, they offer a sophisticated balance of sweetness and spice that matures and improves in texture over time.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dark molasses
  • 1/2 cup wildflower honey
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cold milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or high-quality silicone mats.
  2. In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the molasses, honey, and granulated sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar crystals are fully dissolved.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, white pepper, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and salt; allow to cool until just warm.
  4. Incorporate the cold milk, baking soda, and egg into the syrup, stirring as the mixture begins to react and foam slightly.
  5. Add the flour and stir until the dry particles are absorbed, then switch to your hands and knead the dough until it reaches a smooth elasticity.
  6. Pinch off small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls, placing them on the baking sheet with 1 inch of space between each.
  7. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, monitoring for dark brown bottoms and slight cracking on the tops.
  8. Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water, then brush the glaze onto the cookies while they are still piping hot and let them cool on the sheet until the glaze sets.

Notes

For the most authentic experience, store these cookies in a sealed container for at least two days before eating to allow the spices to fully bloom and the crumb to soften. If your kitchen is particularly humid, you may need to reduce the water in the glaze slightly to ensure it sets to a firm, matte finish.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 11 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

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Find it online: https://cookiesyum.com/pfeffernusse-tradition/