mommy sugar's pepper nuts (pfeffernusse-pebernodder)
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, and 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 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.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 2-1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 4 cups plain all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, optional
- 8 ounces candied citron
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts
- confectioners' sugar, for dusting
How To Make mommy sugar's pepper nuts (pfeffernusse-pebernodder)
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Step 1In the large bowl of a stand mixer, blend together the eggs and sugar. Beat until creamy. -
Step 2Add the molasses, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat 3-4 minutes on medium speed until well blended.
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Step 3In a separate bowl, sift together 3-1/2 cups flour, the baking powder, and spices.
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Step 4In another separate bowl, coat the candied citron and nuts with the remaining 1/2 cup of flour.
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Step 5Slowly add the flour and spice mixture to the batter and blend on fold/low speed just until combined.
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Step 6Gently fold in the citron and nuts. Dough will be very thick and sticky.
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Step 7Place the dough in an air tight container and refrigerate overnight. This allows the spices to combine together for maximum spiciness!
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Step 8Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface.
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Step 9Cut out with cookie cutters or drop by the rounded spoonful and flatten out. Decorate as desired.
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Step 10Place on a cookie-sheet coated with cooking spray or parchment paper.
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Step 11Bake for 12-15 minutes. Edges should be slightly browned. Cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.
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