Pfeffernusse Cookie Recipe

 Pfeffernusse Cookie recipe perfect for the holidays.

Do you have a favorite cookie that reminds you of growing up? For me the biggest one is sugar cookies. I always loved the way my family would decorate them and now it’s one of my favorite traditions each year during Christmas. Another favorite holiday cookie of mine is the Pfeffernusse cookie. A German traditional cookie that has a ginger an anise flavor it in. The anise flavor may be somewhat of an acquired taste as it mimics a black licorice. I am not a fan of that flavor but in this cookie, it tastes great with the flavors combined.

These Pfeffernusse cookies can be enjoyed year round but I wanted to make sure I shared them with you before New Years.

Easy Pfeffernusse Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup molasses
• ⅔ cup honey
• ½ cup of butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ tsp. anise extract
• 4 ¼ cups flour
• 1 tsp. soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• ½ tsp. nutmeg
• ½ tsp ginger
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp. allspice
• ¼ tsp. black or white pepper
  ~ 1 cup of powdered sugar (coating)

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour and dry ingredients. In a saucepan, warm honey and molasses on medium-low heat until it’s a smooth liquid. Stir in the butter until it’s all melted and combined with the honey & molasses.
• Pour into a bowl with egg and anise until well combined.
• Take the molasses mixture and pour it into the dry mix until well combined.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Scoop the dough by the tablespoon, form into round balls.
• Space the cookie dough balls out about 2 inches apart, they will spread a little.
• Bake for approximately 16 minutes.
• Cool for a few minutes then coat in powdered sugar.

Tips for Pfeffernusse cookies:

• You can refrigerate for as quick as 30 minutes but you may want to refrigerate overnight to allow mixture to become compact.
• Do not over bake these, they will seem they are too soft but they will harden.
• If you do not like the flavor of anise, you can reduce it or omit it all together though you wouldn’t have a traditional pfeffernuse.