Traditional Pfeffernüsse Cookies are soft, spiced molasses cookies coated in powdered sugar. These festive treats feature warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and a hint of black pepper, balanced with honey and molasses for rich sweetness. Chilled dough creates the perfect chewy texture with a delicate spice flavor, ideal for holiday baking.
Total Time:2 hours 27 minutes
Yield:24 cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
Dry Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
For Coating
Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
Prepare Molasses Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine molasses, honey, butter, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat until the butter has melted and the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the egg in the next step.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper until well combined to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the cooled molasses mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and mix until a cohesive dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but firm enough to roll.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. This resting time helps the dough firm up and allows the flavors to meld.
Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets, allowing room for slight spreading.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 minutes until they are firm to the touch but still soft inside. Avoid overbaking to keep the desired chewy texture.
Coat with Powdered Sugar: Remove cookies from the oven and let cool slightly for a few minutes until warm but not hot. Roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.
Cool Completely: Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving to set the sugar coating and enhance texture.
Notes
Be sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours; this helps the dough firm up for easier shaping and improves the cookie texture.
You can substitute unsalted butter for salted if you prefer better control over salt levels.
Powdered sugar coating can be added again after cookies have fully cooled if needed for a more intense coating.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Adjust spices to taste, especially black pepper, which adds a unique warming kick that balances the sweet molasses flavor.
