Pfeffernusse Cookies are little bite-sized spice treasures that truly embody the essence of holiday baking. Packed with molasses, honey, and a symphony of warm spices, these German cookies boast a tender texture and a remarkable depth of flavor. Rolling them twice in powdered sugar creates that signature snow-dusted look, making each bite just as magical as the last. Whether you’re introducing them to new cookie lovers or recreating cherished family memories, Pfeffernusse Cookies are the kind of treat that always brings everyone closer together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create unforgettable Pfeffernusse Cookies, you don’t need an overwhelming pantry—just thoughtfully chosen, familiar ingredients that come together in delicious harmony. Each ingredient here plays a vital role, whether boosting spice, lending richness, or achieving that memorable texture.
- Molasses: Deep and robust, it’s the heart of the cookie’s old-world flavor.
- Honey: Adds gentle sweetness while creating a beautiful soft chew.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and tender crumb, the base for a melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
- Large Egg: Binds the dough and gives each cookie a little loft.
- All-Purpose Flour: Foundation for structure—keep it fluffy with careful measuring.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the spice with crisp sweetness and helps cookies brown.
- Baking Soda: Lifts the dough to prevent heaviness—just a bit for perfect puff.
- Salt: A little salt brings all those fabulous spices to life.
- Ground Cinnamon: The cozy, familiar warmth you expect from holiday treats.
- Ground Cloves: Intense and aromatic, giving depth and a spicy kick.
- Ground Nutmeg: Subtle background heat and an unmistakably festive flavor.
- Ground Allspice: Earthy and sweet, rounding out the blend with complexity.
- Ground Cardamom: Floral and citrusy, truly elevates these Pfeffernusse Cookies.
- Ground White Pepper: That extra hint of tingle—trust me, it’s a classic touch.
- Powdered Sugar (for coating): The finishing cloud—roll twice for swoon-worthy sweetness.
How to Make Pfeffernusse Cookies
Step 1: Melt the Molasses, Honey, and Butter
Combine the molasses, honey, and butter in a small saucepan and melt everything together over low heat, stirring continually. When the mixture is smooth and all the butter has melted, take it off the heat. Let it cool just a bit so you don’t scramble your egg when mixing later on. The intoxicating aroma at this stage sets the mood for the whole baking adventure!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and white pepper. This spice blend is what makes Pfeffernusse Cookies so memorable, with each spoonful layering in complexity and warmth.
Step 3: Bring the Dough Together
Pour your slightly cooled molasses mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Add the egg, then stir and fold until everything transforms into a thick, sticky dough. It’s going to smell incredible! At this point, resist the urge to shape cookies—it’s important to let the dough chill.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover your mixing bowl tightly, then refrigerate the dough for at least two hours, or even overnight. Chilling not only makes the dough easier to handle but also allows the flavors to deepen, giving your Pfeffernusse Cookies a truly authentic taste.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart to allow a little spreading and even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the cookie tops are set and the bottoms are showing a delicate golden color. Don’t overbake—these should stay soft and chewy at the center for the classic Pfeffernusse experience.
Step 7: Coating in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then (while still a little warm) gently roll each in a bowl of powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, give them a second generous toss in powdered sugar for an irresistible snowy finish. Trust me, the double coating is worth the sticky fingers!
How to Serve Pfeffernusse Cookies
Garnishes
Classic Pfeffernusse Cookies really shine with their snowy coating, but you can dress them up even more by adding a very light sprinkle of cinnamon over the powdered sugar, or nestling them into festive cupcake papers for extra charm. If you’re feeling fancy, a dainty drizzle of white chocolate is beautiful, too.
Side Dishes
A plate of Pfeffernusse Cookies pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of spiced tea, fragrant mulled wine, or even strong coffee. For a cozy holiday spread, serve them alongside other German classics like stollen or gingerbread for a crowd-pleasing dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Package Pfeffernusse Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a bright ribbon for homemade gifts, or arrange them in pretty tins lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful hostess present. For parties, stack them in a snowy “mountain” on a cake stand, or tuck them into festive mugs as edible place settings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pfeffernusse Cookies delightfully soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. A small slice of bread in the container is a brilliantly simple trick—it helps maintain the cookies’ moisture, ensuring they stay perfectly tender for several days after baking.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Pfeffernusse Cookies weeks after baking? Freeze fully cooled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to airtight bags or containers. Simply thaw at room temperature, and refresh with another dusting of powdered sugar for a just-baked look and flavor.
Reheating
While Pfeffernusse Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm them gently if you like a slightly softer texture. Just pop them on a baking sheet for a few minutes in a 300°F oven—this revives their aroma and makes the powdered sugar a little crackly again.
FAQs
Can I make Pfeffernusse Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free blend. Keep an eye on the dough’s texture—it should be thick and slightly sticky, but still easy to shape after chilling.
Why do Pfeffernusse Cookies need to chill before baking?
Chilling the dough lets the flavors fully meld and the moisture distribute evenly, so the cookies bake up soft and beautifully spiced. It also makes the sticky dough easier to roll into neat balls.
Can I prepare the dough in advance and freeze it?
Yes! Shape the dough into balls and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready for fresh cookies, bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Roll in powdered sugar as soon as you pull them from the oven.
Are Pfeffernusse Cookies overly spicy?
Not at all—they have a wonderfully balanced warmth. The pepper and spice simply add depth and that classic German charm, but the honey and powdered sugar keep things perfectly sweet.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from melting into the cookies?
Double-coating is key! Roll the cookies first while lightly warm, then again when fully cooled—this creates a lovely, thick powdered sugar layer that won’t disappear.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never baked Pfeffernusse Cookies before, you’re in for an absolutely delicious treat. Their old-fashioned flavors and snowy appearance always win hearts, and they’re especially lovely shared with loved ones. Give them a try and discover why they’ve earned a forever spot on countless holiday cookie trays!
Print
Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pfeffernusse Cookies are a delightful German holiday treat, packed with warm spices and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a thoughtful gift!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Coating:
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small saucepan, combine molasses, honey, and butter. Heat until smooth. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, then add molasses mixture and egg. Chill dough.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat oven, roll dough into balls, bake for 12–14 minutes. Cool slightly, then coat with powdered sugar.
Notes
- For a softer texture, store cookies with a slice of bread.
- Flavor improves after a day or two. Great for gifting!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
