Pfeffernüsse - German Spice Christmas Cookies | Food Wishes

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making Pfeffernüsse, traditional German spice cookies that are perfect for the holiday season. Known for their unique flavors, these cookies are surprisingly easy to prepare and a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start baking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsulfured molasses
• ½ cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Practical Tip: Measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, white pepper), and salt. Mix well.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, molasses, honey, and egg until smooth.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Common Pitfall: Do not overmix the dough; this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Practical Tip: Chilling the dough is essential for shaping the cookies later.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Scoop out small portions and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Pitfall: Overbaking can make the cookies hard; they should be slightly soft when you take them out.

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

1. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
2. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Conclusion

Making Pfeffernüsse is a straightforward process that results in delicious, spiced cookies perfect for Christmas. Remember to chill the dough for the best texture and enjoy them fresh or stored. For more recipes and tips, explore Chef John's content on Allrecipes and consider joining his channel for exclusive insights. Happy baking!