White Pfeffernusse Cookies
🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
🥄 Yield: 4 dozen cookies
Description: Indulge in the delightful aroma of freshly baked White Pfeffernusse Cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season or any time you crave a sweet treat. These cookies, originating from German tradition, are infused with a blend of warm spices and citrus zest, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup candied citron peel
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or greasing lightly.
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Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl. Set aside this aromatic mixture for later use.
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In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set to high speed, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until they become light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies.
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Add the candied citron peel and lemon zest to the egg-sugar mixture. Use a wooden spoon to blend them together until evenly distributed, infusing the batter with citrusy goodness.
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Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms. This may take a bit of effort, but the end result will be worth it!
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Refrigerate the cookie dough for several hours or overnight. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and shaping into perfect little balls.
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Form the chilled dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as they should retain their lovely white color.
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Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s essential to let them cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar to ensure the sugar adheres properly.
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Before serving, generously sprinkle the cooled cookies with confectioners’ sugar, adding a final touch of sweetness and a hint of elegance to these delectable treats.
These White Pfeffernusse Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter or afternoon tea spread. With their delicate texture, warming spices, and citrusy undertones, they are sure to become a beloved favorite among family and friends. Enjoy the magic of homemade baking with these irresistible cookies that capture the essence of the season.
