Mommy Sugar's Pepper Nuts (Pfeffernusse-Pebernodder)

A Plate Of Pfeffernusse Dusted With Powdered Sugar.
16
Beth Carlton

By
@BethCarlton

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. Test Kitchen Avatar The Test Kitchen


Rating:

★★★★☆ 3 votes

Comments:
5 Comments
Prep:
24 Hr 30 Min
Cook:
15 Min
Method:
Bake

Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 c
    cane sugar
  • 4 large
    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)

Step-by-Step

  1. Mixing eggs and sugar in a bowl.
    With a heavy duty mixer, blend together eggs and sugar. Beat until creamy.
  2. Adding molasses to the batter.
    Add molasses, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat 3-4 minutes on medium speed until well blended.
  3. Flour and spices added to a bowl.
    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. Coating citron and nuts in flour.
    In a bowl, coat candied citron and nuts with the reserved 1/2 cup of plain flour.
  5. Adding flour to the batter.
    Slowly add flour and spice mixture to batter and blend on fold/low speed just until blended.
  6. Folding citrus and nuts into the batter.
    Gently fold in citron & nuts. Dough will be very thick and sticky.
  7. Dough in an airtight container.
    Place dough in air tight container and refrigerate overnight. This allows your spices to combine together for maximum spiciness! :)
  8. Rolling the dough on a floured surface.
    Roll dough out onto floured surface.
  9. Cutting out the cookies.
    Cut out with cookie cutters OR drop by rounded spoonfuls and flatten out. Decorate as desired.
  10. Cut cookies on a baking sheet.
    Place on a cookie-sheet coated with cooking spray or parchment paper.
  11. Cookies baked until lightly browned.
    Bake 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Edges should be slightly browned.

Printable Recipe Card

About Mommy Sugar's Pepper Nuts (Pfeffernusse-Pebernodder)

Course/Dish: Cookies
Main Ingredient: Flour
Regional Style: German
Collection: Christmas Cookies
Other Tag: Heirloom
Hashtags: #Christmas #pepper nut

Caramel Nut Squares by Deanna Ogle
Caramel Nut Squares

Sugar Cookies by Laura Young
Sugar Cookies

Chewy Brown Sugar Bars by Ann Simmons
Chewy Brown Sugar Bars



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