mommy sugar's pepper nuts (pfeffernusse-pebernodder)

Name: Mommy Sugar's Pepper Nuts (Pfeffernusse-Pebernodder)
Cook time: 15 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2-1/2 cup(s) cane sugar; 4 large eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup(s) molasses; 4 cup(s) plain all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon(s) baking powder; 1 teaspoon(s) ground cloves; 1 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon(s) ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon(s) nutmeg (optional); 1 teaspoon(s) fresh orange zest; 2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract; 2 package(s) 4 oz candied citron; 1 cup(s) nuts (pecans or walnuts)

★★★★☆ 3

A plate of Pfeffernusse dusted with powdered sugar.

review

a recipe by

Beth Carlton

@BethCarlton

Sand Rock, AL

This is a very old recipe from Germany. These cookies are usually served with coffee or tea and enjoyed mainly at Christmastime. There is no shortening or butter in this recipe. Citron can be found during the holiday season in the produce or baking section with the candied fruit used to make fruitcake. Citron can be hard to find so I stock up when I find it and it freezes very well. It can also be purchased online. Traditionally these cookies are bite-size nuggets, but our family makes them into cookies. Feel free to experiment with different sizes, shapes, & add-ins. Enjoy!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

From gingerbread to Linzer, German cookies are world-famous and really special. These Pfeffernusse are no different. They're filled with fall spices, chopped pecans, and a bit of citrus flavor from the orange zest and citron. Molasses gives the pepper nut cookie a wonderfully chewy texture. Typically these old-fashioned cookies are dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a glaze - both ways are delicious.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew

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★★★★☆ 3

cook time 15 Min

method Bake

Ingredients For mommy sugar's pepper nuts (pfeffernusse-pebernodder)

2-1/2 c

cane sugar
4 lg

eggs, beaten
1/2 c

molasses
4 c

plain all-purpose flour
1 tsp

baking powder
1 tsp

ground cloves
1 tsp

ground cinnamon
1 tsp

ground allspice
1/2 tsp

nutmeg (optional)
1 tsp

fresh orange zest
2 tsp

vanilla extract
2 pkg

4 oz candied citron
1 c

nuts (pecans or walnuts)

How To Make mommy sugar's pepper nuts (pfeffernusse-pebernodder)

1
With a heavy duty mixer, blend together eggs and sugar. Beat until creamy.

2
Add molasses, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat 3-4 minutes on medium speed until well blended.
3
Measure 4 level cups of plain flour and reserve 1/2 cup for later. Sift together remaining 3-1/2 cups plain flour, baking powder, and spices.
4
In a bowl, coat candied citron and nuts with the reserved 1/2 cup of plain flour.
5
Slowly add flour and spice mixture to batter and blend on fold/low speed just until blended.
6
Gently fold in citron & nuts. Dough will be very thick and sticky.
7
Place dough in air tight container and refrigerate overnight. This allows your spices to combine together for maximum spiciness! :)
8
Roll dough out onto floured surface.
9
Cut out with cookie cutters OR drop by rounded spoonfuls and flatten out. Decorate as desired.
10
Place on a cookie-sheet coated with cooking spray or parchment paper.
11
Bake 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Edges should be slightly browned.
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