Pfeffernüsse Holiday Spiced Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, aromatic cookie that just screams holiday spirit, you’ve got to try my Pfeffernüsse Holiday Spiced Cookies Recipe. These little German treats pack a comforting punch of warm spices, a hint of peppery heat, and a delightful molasses sweetness that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!). I absolutely love how these cookies balance chewy texture with a delicate sugar coating — it’s everything you want in a holiday cookie and then some. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips to make your batch perfect!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Pfeffernüsse Holiday Spiced Cookies Recipe is how the spices and base ingredients work together to create a perfectly balanced spice cookie without being overwhelming. Here are the key ingredients, along with a few shopping tips to get you started.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for these cookies — makes them tender yet firm enough to hold their shape.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, familiar holiday aroma and taste.
• Ground allspice: A sweet-spicy note that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Freshly ground nutmeg: Always best to freshly grind for maximum flavor — it’s the secret behind the festive depth.
• Freshly ground black pepper: This is the star that makes Pfeffernüsse unique; don’t skip this or use pre-ground if you can help it!
• Ground cloves: Provides an earthy, slightly sweet spice.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get that slightly airy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creamily binds the dough and adds richness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and the signature molasses-like sweetness.
• Unsulfured molasses: The deep, robust syrup that makes Pfeffernüsse truly special — look for unsulfured for the best flavor.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
• Anise extract (or vanilla): Anise gives that classic licorice hint typical in German recipes, but vanilla works well if you prefer milder.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For that beautiful snowy coating once the cookies come fresh from the oven.

Variations

Now, I’m all about keeping traditions but also mixing things up just a bit. With this Pfeffernüsse Holiday Spiced Cookies Recipe, you can easily tweak flavors or textures depending on your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free mix once, and the cookies still came out beautifully chewy and flavorful — just watch the baking time closely.
• Vanilla Replace Anise: If you’re not a fan of anise’s licorice notes, swapping it out for vanilla extract creates a softer, subtler cookie that still feels festive.
• Extra Spice Kick: For spice lovers, I sometimes add a pinch of cardamom or a little cayenne to amplify the warmth and complexity.
• Smaller Cookies: Rolling the dough balls smaller makes perfect bite-sized cookies for parties or gifting — just reduce bake time by a few minutes.

How to Make Pfeffernüsse Holiday Spiced Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Spices and Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together all the dry spices—cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves—along with flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This helps distribute the spices evenly so every bite is perfectly balanced. I always take a moment here to sniff—the aroma is amazing and sets the tone for what’s coming!

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Molasses

Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter with light brown sugar and molasses on medium speed until fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes. The molasses makes the mixture dark and glossy, which is a good sign you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Add Egg and Anise Extract

Beat in the egg and anise extract until everything is combined. The egg adds moisture and structure while the anise brings that iconic Pfeffernüsse flavor. If you’re skipping anise, just add vanilla at this stage instead.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gently

Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the flour and spice blend. Mix just until everything comes together—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and chewy instead of tough. The dough will be a bit sticky and dark from the molasses.

Step 5: Chill Your Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least three hours. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle when rolling. Believe me, this step is worth the wait — I learned this the hard way by trying to bake right away!

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough (I use a cookie scoop) and roll into 1 ½ inch balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden with slight cracks — they should feel set but still a tad soft inside. Let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Roll in Confectioners’ Sugar

While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in confectioners’ sugar for that classic snowy look and a light sweetness. If you wait too long, the sugar won’t stick as well. My kids always love this part because it’s like coating them in a little holiday magic!

How to Serve Pfeffernüsse Holiday Spiced Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick to just rolling the cookies in confectioners’ sugar because that delicate coating is part of the charm, but sometimes I dust a bit of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving for an extra festive touch. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate is also a fun twist my friends love!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks. I often serve them alongside mulled wine, spiced cider, or simply a hot mug of chai tea or coffee. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a holiday cheese board with nuts and dried fruits.

Creative Ways to Present

When I gift Pfeffernüsse, I like arranging them in a festive tin lined with parchment and tied up with a red ribbon. For holiday parties, stacking them in a cookie tower on a tiered platter adds visual wow. Sometimes I let kids decorate them with colored sugar or edible glitter for a playful touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pfeffernüsse in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They stay chewy and delicious for about a week — but honestly, they never last that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen the dough successfully when I’m prepping ahead of the holiday rush. After chilling the dough, portion it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a couple minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If you want your cookies warm again, a quick 5-7 seconds in the microwave works wonders without drying them out. You can also let them come to room temperature; their chewy texture really shines as they warm up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pfeffernüsse Holiday Spiced Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines cozy nostalgia with fresh, exciting flavors I didn’t encounter growing up. The peppery warmth and hint of anise make these cookies feel festive and unique, perfect for gifting or sharing around a warm fire. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try — it’s one of those holiday treats that not only tastes fantastic but also brings a little magic to your kitchen. Happy baking!

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