Mom’s Fabulous Pfeffernuesse
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
🥄 Servings: 26 dozen
Description:
A delightful and rich spice cookie with an abundance of flavor, perfect for pairing with a soothing cup of tea. This recipe has been passed down through generations, cherished by many during the festive Christmas season. While traditionally made by my beloved mother, I’ve managed to coax her into sharing this cherished recipe, ensuring its legacy lives on. Inspired by my favorite aunt Ava’s variation, this recipe combines the warmth of molasses with the sweetness of honey, resulting in a perfect balance that keeps these cookies irresistibly fresh.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups butter
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground clove
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mace
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 cardamom pods, ground
- 1/2 cups chopped nuts (optional)
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Begin by creaming the butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the brown sugar to the butter, continuing to cream until well combined.
- Blend in the honey (or molasses if preferred) along with half of the water, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Dissolve the baking soda in the remaining water, then add it to the creamed mixture.
- Sift together the dry ingredients (flour, pepper, clove, allspice, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, and ground cardamom) in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and chopped nuts (if using) to the creamed mixture, mixing until well incorporated.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your cookie sheets.
- Using your preferred method, shape the chilled dough into small balls or slices.
- My mother used to roll the dough into long rolls about 3/4 inch thick and slice them off.
- Aunt Ava used a sausage stuffer, which operates on the same principle.
- I prefer using a melon-baller, though it does require some time.
- Place the shaped dough onto the greased cookie sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy these delightful Pfeffernuesse cookies with love from Mom!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 317.1
- Fat Content: 14.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 23.5mg
- Sodium Content: 221.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 43.4g
- Fiber Content: 1.9g
- Sugar Content: 18.9g
- Protein Content: 5g
Keywords:
Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, German, European, < 60 Mins, Oven, Refrigerator
Indulge in the rich flavors of Mom’s Fabulous Pfeffernuesse, a beloved family recipe that’s sure to become a treasured tradition in your home too! 🍪✨
