Recipes

[ChiliPepper]

NATIONAL PFEFFERNUSSE DAY

December 23rd is reserved for National Pfeffernuse Day, a German spice cookie. Very popular around the holidays, pfeffernüsse are fluffy cookies made with ground nuts and spices and covered in powdered sugar.

Over time, many bakers have created their own pfeffernüsse recipes. Traditional methods included various nuts such as almonds and walnuts. Some modern recipes exclude nuts altogether along with the black pepper, retaining only cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom as flavorings. Bakers also use molasses and honey to sweeten the cookie.

The exact origin of the cookie is unknown. However, the Dutch believe that pfeffernüsse (or pepernoten in Dutch) are linked to the feast of Sinterklaas, which is celebrated on December 5 in the Netherlands and December 6 in Germany and Belgium. This holiday is when children receive gifts from St. Nicholas, who is partially the inspiration for the Santa Claus tradition. 

 

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PFEFFERNUSSE DAY

Break out your favorite pfeffernüsse recipe and start baking. This is one holiday tradition that will bring back memories for many of you. Not only will you be able to savor the delicious spicy-sweet cookies, but you can also pass down the tradition to another generation. Once you have a good stack of them baked and cooled, package them up as sweet gifts for loved ones. They will appreciate the cookies and your thoughtfulness.

[ChiliPepper]

Pfeffernüsse FAQs

Q. What does 'pfeffernüsse' mean?

A. The word pfeffernüsse comes from German and means 'peppernut'.

Q. Are gingerbread and pfeffernüsse the same?

A. Gingerbread and pfeffernusse are both spicy cookies but they are made differently. Where gingerbread is a sturdier cookie, pfeffernüsse are softer. Additionally, pfeffernüsse, true to its name, includes pepper in the ingredients.

[ChiliPepper]

Pfeffernüsse Cookies

These traditional Pfeffernüsse Cookies are delightfully spiced and easy to make! Look no further for your new favorite Christmas cookie!

Prep Time: 20 minutes 

Cook Time: 12 minutes 

Chill Time: 2 hours 

Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes 

Servings: 54 Cookies

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup molasses
• ½ cup butter
• 2 eggs beaten
• 4 ¼ cups all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• pinch white pepper or black peppercorn if that is all you have!
• ½ cup confectioner’s sugar for rolling

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper.
• In a large pot, melt molasses and butter. Cool to room temperature.
• Whisk the egg into the molasses mixture. Mix in the dry ingredients.
• Place a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter and turn dough out onto plastic. Shape in a ball, wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Line several baking sheets with parchment.
• Shape chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Bake in preheated oven for about 12 minutes.
• Cool and toss in confectioner’s sugar.

Notes:

Yield – 54 cookiesPresentation – I tossed these cookies in powdered sugar for an easy, sweet coating but you could also dip each cookie in powdered sugar loosened with milk. Place on a cooling rack to drip dry.Variations – Substitute up to ½ cup of the all-purpose flour for nut flour such as almond or hazelnut flour.Storage – I store pfeffernusse at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can store them at room temper for up to 10 days when iced. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Toss in powdered sugar after thawing.I made a half batch with great success!Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens Cookies & Candies 1966 Edition

 

Nutrition:

Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

[vabreeze]

@ChiliPepper,
So glad to see a post for this thread. I have
missed the informative nuggets posted here. Thank you for keeping this thread going. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your cohorts who have conscientiously contributed to the lifeline of
this thread!!! I appreciate each of you.

[ChiliPepper]

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