If you love cookies that are bursting with warm spices, gently sweet, and dusted in a magical coating of powdered sugar, Pfeffernusse Cookies will absolutely charm you. These little German gems are tender, chewy, and filled with cozy flavors that only get better as they sit. Perfect for the holidays or whenever you crave a taste of tradition, Pfeffernusse Cookies are a genuine treat you’ll want to make all winter long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pfeffernusse Cookies use pantry staples and a handful of aromatic spices to create irresistible depth and character. Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor, achieving the right texture, and helping the cookies bake up perfectly every time.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of these cookies, giving them just the right chew and structure.
- Baking soda: Adds a bit of lift for super-soft cookies with classic cracks on top.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the warm spice notes—don’t skip it.
- Ground cinnamon: A signature spice that infuses the dough with a comforting aroma.
- Ground ginger: Gives the cookies a gentle zing and unmistakable warmth.
- Ground cloves: Delivers a hint of bold, earthy spice—essential for authenticity.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle, sweet earthiness that rounds out the profile.
- Ground black pepper: The secret ingredient for a pleasantly peppery finish and a tiny kick.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the cookies rich, tender, and helps whisk everything together.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a caramel note that enhances the spices and keeps the cookies soft.
- Molasses: Provides deep, dark sweetness and classic old-world character.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives extra moisture.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creates irresistibly soft, pillowy cookies.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of classic flavor that highlights all the spices.
- Powdered sugar (for coating): The crowning touch—makes them snowy, sweet, and so inviting to eat by the handful!
How to Make Pfeffernusse Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Starting with a hot oven ensures you’ll get those lovely cracked tops that make Pfeffernusse Cookies so unique!
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. You’ll notice the aroma immediately—this spice blend is the soul of Pfeffernusse Cookies, giving them their deeply comforting, festive flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps make your cookies tender and ensures that the brown sugar’s subtle caramel notes infuse every bite.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the molasses, egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. As you mix, you’ll see the dough darken and take on a rich aroma—molasses and sour cream add lasting moisture and depth, setting the stage for perfect Pfeffernusse Cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Take your time here; you want the spices evenly distributed, ensuring every cookie has that authentic Pfeffernusse flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. These cute rounds will bake into perfectly bite-sized treats with a slightly cracked top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re puffed and set with some surface cracking. Watch your kitchen fill with the inviting scent of spices—it’s pure holiday magic!
Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes directly on the sheet, then roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar to give them their classic snowy look. For an extra-sweet, thicker coating, roll them again once fully cooled. This double-dip is what transforms Pfeffernusse Cookies into irresistible little snowballs.
How to Serve Pfeffernusse Cookies
Garnishes
For festive flair, try giving the cookies a second roll in fresh powdered sugar before serving or dust with a touch of cinnamon for added warmth. If you’re feeling extra creative, add a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest on top just before serving to enhance the spicy notes.
Side Dishes
Pfeffernusse Cookies shine alongside a steaming mug of mulled wine or hot spiced tea. They also pair beautifully with classic holiday beverages like eggnog or rich hot chocolate—each sip brings out those beautiful warming spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Pfeffernusse Cookies in a vintage tin or a decorative jar and tie with a ribbon for a heartfelt edible gift. On a cookie platter, alternate with chocolate-dipped treats or gingerbread men for a colorful spread. Stack in mini towers on each plate at the end of dinner—each guest will feel truly spoiled!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pfeffernusse Cookies just get better after a day or two as the spices mingle. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to two weeks without losing their signature chewy charm.
Freezing
You can freeze Pfeffernusse Cookies after baking. Just let them cool completely, then layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months—perfect for planning ahead or last-minute dessert emergencies.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked magic, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in a low oven for a few minutes. Before serving, dust them with a little extra powdered sugar to freshen up the snowy coating.
FAQs
What does “Pfeffernusse” mean?
Pfeffernusse is German for “pepper nuts”—a reference to the traditional addition of black pepper (yes, really!) and the cookies’ petite, nut-like shape. That hint of pepper is what makes these cookies so intriguing and memorable.
Are Pfeffernusse Cookies gluten-free?
Traditional Pfeffernusse Cookies are made with all-purpose flour, so they’re not naturally gluten-free. However, you can try substituting a good-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for a similar taste and texture.
Do I really need all those spices?
Absolutely! The blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper is what gives Pfeffernusse Cookies their classic, aromatic flavor. If you need to adjust for what’s on hand, aim to keep as many as possible for the most authentic result.
Why roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?
The first coating soaks in a bit while the cookies are warm, then the second (after they cool) creates a beautiful, thick, snow-like layer. This extra step is what makes Pfeffernusse Cookies so inviting and gives them their classic look and irresistible sweetness.
Can I make Pfeffernusse Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, they taste even better after a day or two! The flavors deepen and meld as they sit, making Pfeffernusse Cookies an ideal make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel the same excitement I do about baking a batch of Pfeffernusse Cookies. With their warm spiced flavor, snowy finish, and old-fashioned appeal, they’re a joyful way to bring a touch of tradition to your table. Bake them, share them, and don’t be surprised when they become a new seasonal favorite!
Print
Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pfeffernusse Cookies are a delightful German treat, perfect for the holiday season. They are spiced to perfection and coated in a sweet powdered sugar layer, making them a favorite for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine and Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Portion the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until set and slightly cracked on top. Cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Cool and Coat: Cool completely on a wire rack and roll again in powdered sugar for a thicker coating if desired.
Notes
- Store Pfeffernusse in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- The flavor improves after a day or two as the spices meld together.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
