The Best Pfeffernusse Cookies
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Typically made at Christmastime, these German cookies are full of warm spices, have the perfect crunch, and become absolute perfection when dipped in white chocolate. Perfect for a cookie exchange and giving to family, friends, and neighbors during the holidays.
Author:
Recipe type: German Christmas Cookie
Serves: 36 to 48
Ingredients
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • (24 oz) white chocolate melts or vanilla almond bark
Instructions
  1. In a medium-sized mixing bow,l whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, and white pepper. Set aside.
  2. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add the molasses and egg. Mix well until combined.
  3. Next, slowly combine the flour mixture with the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be stiff but not overly dry.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it with saran wrap. Place the dough in the fridge and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Remove dough from the fridge.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  7. Take a handful of dough and roll into a snake-like shape with a width of ¾- to 1-inch thick on a floured surface or silicone mat. With a butter knife, cut the dough at an angle into 2- to 2½-inch pieces. (See photos in the step-by-step instructions above.)
  8. Place cookies 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes until light golden brown.
  9. Let the cookies completely cool on a cooling rack.
  10. Continue shaping and baking the rest of the dough.
  11. Next, melt half of the white chocolate or almond bark according to package instructions. Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the melted white chocolate and place on wax paper or a silicone mat to set up. Melt more chocolate as needed.
  12. Let the white chocolate completely set up before eating the cookies.
  13. Store cookies in an airtight container.
  14. Enjoy!
Recipe by Real Life Dinner at https://reallifedinner.com/the-best-pfeffernusse-cookies/