Best 8 Moms Old Fashioned Pfefferneusse Peppernut Cookies Recipes

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In the realm of holiday baking, few treats embody the spirit of nostalgia and festive cheer like moms old fashioned pfefferneusse peppernut cookies. These bite-sized delights, often associated with German Christmas traditions, transport us back to simpler times with their distinctive peppery flavor, crisp exterior, and soft, chewy center. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to recreate a cherished family recipe or a novice cook eager to embark on a new culinary adventure, this article will guide you through the steps of creating these delectable morsels that are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your own home.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PEPPERNUTS COOKIES RECIPE (PFEFFERNüSSE COOKIES RECIPE)



Peppernuts Cookies Recipe (Pfeffernüsse Cookies Recipe) image

This Peppernuts cookies recipe makes traditional German cookies (Pfeffernüsse Cookies) that are small, crunchy, spicy, slightly sweet and very tasty! These cookies are a wonderful gift for giving during the holidays!

Provided by The Wanderlust Kitchen

Categories     Desserts

Time 3h

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup butter (room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups white sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup cream
2 large eggs
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon anise oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 level teaspoons baking powder
8 cups of all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl (preferably a Kitchenaid stand mixing bowl), add the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, molasses, and cream and mix well.
  • Add the eggs, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, anise oil, baking soda and baking powder and mix well.
  • Add one cup of flour at a time and mix until the flour is absorbed into the dough. You do not have to over mix it. Note that the dough gets very stiff and can easily burn out hand mixer motors. For this reason, you should use a heavy duty stand mixer. In either case, if your mixer is struggling, then stop using the mixer and mix in the rest of the flour by hand. It can be quite a workout!
  • Put the bowl of dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes and allow the dough to get a little stiffer.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. If you have a double oven, then preheat both ovens.
  • Lay out aluminum foil for the baked cookies to cool on.
  • Tape wax paper to the top of your table, counter, island, or other kitchen work area.
  • Scoop out a lemon-sized amount of dough and roll it into a ball in your hands.
  • Place the dough ball onto the wax paper and use your palm and fingers to roll it out into a thin rope of dough 1/4 inch in diameter. The key is to be consistent and make these all the same size so they will cook in the same amount of time. If the dough is sticking to the wax paper, then sprinkle a small amount of flour on the wax paper to prevent this.
  • Use a knife to cut the rope into small nut sized pieces of dough and place them on a baking sheet where they are not touching and there is room for them to grow as they bake so that the baked cookies won't be touching each other.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-12 minutes until they are a golden brown color. Check them at eight minutes and bake them longer if needed. Make sure that you do not bake them too long or the underside will burn.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to the aluminum foil. The cookies will be a little soft when they first come out of the oven but will become very crunchy as they cool.
  • Repeat rolling the dough, cutting the dough, loading the baking sheets and baking the cookies until all of the dough is used. This is a fun activity to get your whole family involved in for baking these holiday cookies.
  • After the cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. If the cookies are not quite crunchy, you can leave the lid off of the container for a few hours and they will get crunchy.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 96 kcal, Carbohydrate 16 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 11 mg, Sodium 46 mg, Sugar 8 g, UnsaturatedFat 1 g

OLD-FASHIONED PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES



Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies image

My mother insisted that my grandmother write down one recipe for her when Mom got married in 1942: the how to make peanut butter cookies from scratch recipe. That was a real effort because Grandma was a traditional pioneer-type cook who used a little of this or that until it felt right. This treasured recipe is the only one she ever wrote down! -Janet Hall, Clinton, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 25m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup shortening
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream shortening, peanut butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. , Roll into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place 3 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a fork or meat mallet if desired. Bake 10-15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 128mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

PFEFFERNUSSE (GERMAN PEPPER NUT COOKIES )



Pfeffernusse (German Pepper Nut Cookies ) image

This is from Williams Sonoma and it has been a family favorite for years. It is a great twist on Gingerbread cookies.

Provided by Zookeenee

Categories     Dessert

Time 59m

Yield 24 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed anise seed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup light molasses (unsulfured)
1 egg
2 cups confectioners' sugar, for dusting (icing)

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, pepper, aniseeds, cinnamon, baking soda, allspice, nutmeg and cloves.
  • In a large bowl, using an electic mixer set on medium speed, beat together the butter, brown sugar and molasses until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
  • Beat in the egg.
  • Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in the flour mixture.
  • Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
  • Position a rack in the middle of an oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
  • Butter 2 baking sheets, scoop up pieces of dough and roll between your palms into balls 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
  • Place the balls on the cookie sheets spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake until the cookies are golden brown on the bottom and firm to the touch, about 14 minutes.
  • Transfer the baking sheets to racks and let the cookies cool slightly on the sheets.
  • Place the confectioners' sugar in a sturdy paper bag, drop a few cookies into the bag, close the top securely, and shake gently to coat the warm cookies with the sugar.
  • Transfer to racks and let cool completely.
  • Repeat with the remaining cookies.
  • Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

PFEFFERNUSSE COOKIES



Pfeffernusse Cookies image

I have searched far and wide for a recipe that mimics my favorite, store-bought version of these cookies. I think, after days of thrown-out cookies, I have come as close as I can get.

Provided by Thebeansma

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     German

Time 3h

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 18

½ cup molasses
¼ cup honey
¼ cup shortening
¼ cup margarine
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons anise extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Steps:

  • Stir together the molasses, honey, shortening, and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until creamy. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Stir in the eggs.
  • Combine the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, anise, cinnamon, baking soda, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add the molasses mixture and stir until thoroughly combines. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Roll the dough into acorn-sized balls. Arrange on baking sheets, spacing at least 1 inch apart.
  • Bake in preheated oven 10 to 15 minutes. Move to a rack to cool. Dust cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Carbohydrate 53.9 g, Cholesterol 20.7 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 212.8 mg, Sugar 30.2 g

PEPPERNUTS RECIPE {PFEFFERNüSSE/PäPANäT}



Peppernuts Recipe {Pfeffernüsse/Päpanät} image

Peppernuts also called Pfeffernüsse or päpanät are small, spiced cookies which are a common treat in Mennonite homes during the Christmas season.

Provided by Angela @ Mommy Moment

Categories     Dessert

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup butter or margarine (softened)
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup whole milk (with 1 tsp vinegar and 2 tsp baking soda added)
1/8 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp black pepper (or white pepper)
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
3 1/4 cups flour

Steps:

  • Cream together the butter and brown sugar with a mixer. Add eggs and continue beating. Slowly add the corn syrup and the milk mixture.
  • In a separate bowl mix together remaining ingredients (dry). Then add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until a dough ball is formed. Put dough mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. (Works best if you can leave the dough in the fridge overnight or even up to 2 days)
  • Roll dough into long snake like rolls till they are between the width of dime and a nickle. I do this on parchment paper to make it easy to transfer the rolls onto a greased cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer till firm. Then slice the rolls in about 1 cm pieces and place flat on pans. Bake at 350 for 7-8 minutes.

PFEFFERNüSSE (GERMAN "PEPPER-NUT" CHRISTMAS COOKIES)



Pfeffernüsse (German

The name "Pfeffernüsse" translates to pepper-nut, even though these cookies don't contain either. Back in the day, "pepper" was a generic name for any type of spice, and these were were called "nuts" because they looked like nuts! Misleading names aside, I think this is the best Christmas cookie of all time. They're soft and chewy with a thin, crisp icing and the perfect combination of warming winter spices. Pack up a tin and share these delicious cookies with family and friends!

Provided by Chef John

Categories     German Cookies

Time P1DT1h50m

Yield 52

Number Of Ingredients 18

⅓ cup white sugar
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
½ tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 large egg, beaten
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Combine white and brown sugars in a saucepan with honey, water, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper. Place over medium heat and whisk until the sugars dissolve and it just starts to simmer, 1 to 2 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and let cool for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add salt, baking soda, heavy cream, and egg and whisk until thoroughly combined. Add flour and stir together with a wooden spoon until everything comes together as a dough.
  • Transfer dough to a piece of plastic wrap. Press into a ball and wrap tightly. Place in the refrigerator and let rest for 1 to 2 days.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Remove dough from the refrigerator and scoop into rounded teaspoons. Roll each one into a smooth ball if desired, and place on a prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until cookies are perfectly dome-shaped with light golden brown bottoms, 9 to 10 minutes; don't overbake. Let cool on the pan all the way down to room temperature, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • While the cookies are cooling, repeat Steps 5 and 6 to shape and bake the remaining cookies.
  • Make icing by placing powdered sugar in a bowl. Stir in lemon juice, a few teaspoons at a time, until icing is very thick, but still slightly runny.
  • Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing. Let it drip, then flip it over and place on a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper and let harden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 67.7 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 0.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 81.8 mg

GRANDMA'S PFEFFERNUSSE



Grandma's Pfeffernusse image

This is my great-grandma's German Pfeffernusse recipe. My grandma has made it ever since I can remember and is a Christmas cookie must! My recipe is different because you make the dough two weeks before you make the cookies. They are also small, thin and crunchy! They also freeze well to be enjoyed all year! *Prep time does not include 2 week wait with the dough*

Provided by Farmwife10

Categories     German

Time 35m

Yield 100-200 Cookies

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup honey
1 cup sorghum
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups flour

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients to make dough still like bread. *Although recipe calls for 2 cups of flour, use your best judgement. You may need more or less*.
  • Let dough stand for 2 weeks, mixing ever second day.
  • Roll out dough very thin and cut with a thimble, or similar sized cutter.
  • Cook in oven (although no exact temperature is mentioned, I normally use about 350) Keep a VERY close eye on the cookies, they cook very fast and burn quickly!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 30.2, Fat 0.2, SaturatedFat 0.1, Cholesterol 0.3, Sodium 14.5, Carbohydrate 6.9, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 3.5, Protein 0.5

PFEFFERNUESSE COOKIES



Pfeffernuesse Cookies image

A German holiday tradition, these fragrant cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.-Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 10 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup shortening
2 large eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons anise extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine molasses, honey, butter and shortening. Cook and stir over medium heat until melted. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. Stir in eggs and extract., Combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, pepper and salt. Gradually add molasses mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight., Preheat oven to 325°. Roll dough into 1-in. balls. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove cookies to wire racks. Roll warm cookies in confectioners' sugar. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 42 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 31mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Always measure and prepare all your ingredients before starting to bake. For these cookies, make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for best results.
  • Creaming the butter and sugar: This step is essential for creating a light and fluffy cookie. Cream the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy, and the sugar has dissolved. This will take several minutes.
  • Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
  • Mixing in the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this will make the cookies tough.
  • Chilling the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes will help to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you don't have time to chill the dough, you can still make the cookies, but they may not be as round.
  • Baking the cookies: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just set. Do not overbake, as this will make the cookies dry and crumbly.

Conclusion:

These pfefferneusse cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, you are sure to love these cookies. So gather your ingredients and give them a try!

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