Old World Pfeffernusse Cookies
Rate/Review
Saved in 44 recipe boxes and 23 cookbooks
Saved in 44 recipe boxes and 23 cookbooks
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 | each |
egg |
|
| 1 | tablespoon | liqueur | licorice flavor, optional |
| 3¼ | cups | flour, all-purpose | |
| 1 | teaspoon |
baking soda |
|
| 1 | teaspoon |
cinnamon |
ground |
| ½ | teaspoon | cloves | ground |
| ¼ | teaspoon | nutmeg | ground* |
| 1 | dash | black pepper | * |
| 1 | x |
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.
First published: 1996-01-27 last updated: 2015-02-27
