Old World Pfeffernusse Cookies
4.2k
Traditionally baked during 'Sinterklaas', a feast on 5 December (6 December in Belgium and Germany) on which little children receive gifts from the holy St. Nicholas, the partial inspiration for Santa Claus. In Germany, Pfeffernüsse are traditionally made during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
| ½ | cup |
butter
or margarine, softened |
|
| ¾ | cup |
brown sugar
packed |
* |
| ½ | cup |
molasses
|
|
| 1 | large |
eggs
|
|
| 1 | tablespoon |
liqueur
licorice flavor, optional |
|
| 3 ¼ | cups |
all-purpose flour
|
|
| 1 | teaspoon |
baking soda
|
|
| 1 | teaspoon |
cinnamon
ground |
|
| ½ | teaspoon |
cloves
ground |
|
| ¼ | teaspoon |
nutmeg
ground |
* |
| 1 | dash |
black pepper
|
* |
|
powdered sugar
|
* |
Directions
Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃). Grease cookie sheets.
Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl until creamy.
Beat in molasses, egg and liqueur, if desired, until light and fluffy.
Mix in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper.
Shape level Tablespoon of dough into balls.
Place 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake 12 to 14 minutes until set.
Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets.
Remove to wire racks; sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Cool completely. Store in airtight containers.
about 5 years ago
real pferneuise cookies must have muscat raisins.
about 3 years ago
This recipe is popular among Mennonite and Amish people in their cookbooks, I would imagine since they are from Swiss, German, Dutch descent. Great cookies.