Pepper Nuts Cookies (Pfeffernüsse) Recipe
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description: Make and share this delightful Pepper Nuts Cookies (Pfeffernüsse) recipe from lovewithrecipes.com, a beloved treat that captures the warm spices and holiday spirit of Pennsylvania Dutch and German traditions.
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Cookie & Brownie, Pennsylvania Dutch, German, European, Kid Friendly, Oven, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 1 3/4 cups |
| Salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Allspice Berries | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground Clove | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Candied Citron Peel | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Brandy | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 193.9 |
| Total Fat | 3.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 42.3 mg |
| Sodium | 44.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 37.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugars | 20.3 g |
| Protein | 4.3 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Begin by sifting together the flour, salt, ground cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg into a large mixing bowl. This step not only combines the dry ingredients but also helps to aerate the flour, ensuring a light and tender cookie texture. Set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
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Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes thick and forms soft peaks. This process can take several minutes and is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookies, as it incorporates air that will help them rise.
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Incorporate Flour Mixture: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the egg and sugar mixture, incorporating it in thirds. After each addition, mix until everything is well blended and the dough is uniform. This gradual mixing is essential to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tougher cookies.
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Add the Citron: Once the dough is fully combined, stir in the chopped candied citron peel. The citrusy sweetness of the citron adds a lovely contrast to the warm spices and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for several hours. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also allows the flavors to develop further, resulting in a more aromatic cookie.
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Roll Out the Dough: After the chilling period, remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Using a 1-inch round cutter, cut out the cookies. A donut hole cutter works perfectly for this, as it creates a fun shape.
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Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cutout cookies onto lightly greased cookie sheets. For an extra touch of flavor, place a drop of brandy on the center of each cookie, allowing the alcohol to infuse the cookies with a subtle richness during baking.
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Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking.
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Cool and Store: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. After they have cooled completely, store the cookies in a tightly covered container. For those who prefer a softer texture, consider adding a piece of apple to the container; this will help maintain moisture.
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Alternative Drying Method: If you want to try an alternative approach, you can cut out the cookies and place them on the cookie sheets to dry overnight before baking. This method can enhance the texture and deepen the flavors, making the cookies even more delightful.
This recipe yields approximately 5 1/2 dozen cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season or for a cozy afternoon snack. Enjoy the delightful combination of spices and the tradition that these Pepper Nuts Cookies (Pfeffernüsse) bring to your home, making them an enduring favorite among both young and old alike.
