pfeffernusse (pepper nuts) "the german christmas cookie"
This is a VERY spicy version of this cookie! If you like less spice, start with a quarter of the spices and add to taste. This cookie seems difficult, but if you prep everything ahead, then all you have to do is throw it in the bowl. So, candy the orange peel, zest and juice the lemon, measure the spices, and use a food processor or nut grinder to get the nuts to a coarse grind before you begin.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
These Pfeffernusse cookies are a little bit of prep and work but trust us, they are worth it. Lemon and candied orange peel give these soft and tender cookies a delicious citrus note that is a nice contrast to the spices. Cinnamon and cloves are noticeable and the pepper lingers just a bit. They remind us of Christmas. Since the cookie itself is not overly sweet, the glaze adds a welcome bit of sweetness.
Ingredients
- CANDIED ORANGE PEEL
- 3 - oranges
- 1/4 cup water, plus more for boiling
- 1 cup sugar
- COOKIES
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 - egg
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 large lemon (zest + juice)
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons cardamom
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup walnuts or almonds, coarsely ground
- GLAZE
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, more or less to taste
- 1 cup powdered sugar
How To Make pfeffernusse (pepper nuts) "the german christmas cookie"
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Step 1To candy the orange peel, cut the top and bottom off the oranges so they can sit flat. Using a knife or vegetable peeler, cut the skin off the orange so that it has as little pith as possible. -
Step 2Pulse the peels in a food processor until they are coarsely ground. To make the peels less bitter, add them to a pot of boiling water. Boil for 1 minute. Let stand for 10 minutes. Strain through a sieve.
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Step 3Bring the sugar and water to a low boil. Add the peel and simmer for 3 mins.
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Step 4Strain through a sieve and spread the peels out on some waxed paper. Let dry.
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Step 5To make the cookie, cream the butter, sugar, and egg together.
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Step 6Add the molasses and vanilla; stir to combine.
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Step 7Add 1/2 cup candied orange peel, the lemon zest, juice, and spices; stir to combine.
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Step 8Slowly add the flour, baking soda, and nuts. Mix until just combined. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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Step 9The next day, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Shape the dough into 3/4-inch balls (or scoop with a small cookie dough scoop) and drop them onto a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet.
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Step 10Bake for 15-18 minutes. until cookies are set and bottoms are a LIGHT golden brown. They will firm as they cool. Overbaking will result in a hard cookie. Let cool on a cookie sheet for a minute then place on a cooling rack that is over a sheet of foil.
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Step 11To make the glaze, mix the lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth and has the consistency of warm honey.
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Step 12Hold each still slightly warm cookie by the bottom and dip the top portion in the glaze. Place it back on the cooling rack to finish cooling.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
