The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious treats. If you’re looking to add a touch of international flavor to your cookie platter this year, look no further than Pfeffernüsse cookies. These spiced German cookies have been a holiday staple for generations, and once you taste them, you’ll understand why.

Why You’ll Love Pfeffernüsse Cookies?

Pfeffernüsse cookies are full of warm, cozy spices that instantly bring on the holiday spirit. They’re soft with a slightly crisp exterior, rolled in powdered sugar for that sweet finish. These cookies are great for making with kids, gifting to neighbors, or enjoying with a mug of tea. Plus, they keep well and taste even better the next day!

Simple Ingredients

These cookies use pantry staples with a few seasonal touches:

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure of the cookies and keeps them tender.
Baking soda: Gives the cookies a slight lift.
Salt: Enhances all the warm spices.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger: This quartet is the heart of Pfeffernüsse’s cozy flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and softness.
Granulated sugar & brown sugar: The combo gives a balanced sweetness and a hint of molasses.
Egg: Helps bind everything together.
Molasses: Deepens the flavor and adds chewiness.
Vanilla extract: Balances and rounds out the spice.
Powdered sugar: For rolling and that signature frosted look.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

What is Needed

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm.

Icing Instructions

This traditional icing gives Pfeffernüsse cookies their signature glossy, sweet coating. It’s easy to make and hardens beautifully for that perfect crackle finish.

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk or water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the icing:
- Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl to remove any lumps.
- Add 3 tablespoons of milk or water and whisk until smooth.
Check the consistency:
- The icing should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If it’s too thick, add more milk or water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Coat the cookies:
- Once the Pfeffernüsse cookies have cooled completely, dip the top of each cookie into the icing.
- Lift the cookie and gently shake off any excess icing.
Let the icing set:
- Place the cookie’s icing side up on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath to catch drips.
- Allow the icing to harden completely at room temperature, which may take 1–2 hours.

Top Tips

Roll cookies while still warm so the powdered sugar sticks better.
Chill dough for 15 minutes if it’s too soft to roll.
Let kids help with the sugar rolling it’s their favorite part!
Store in an airtight container for better flavor the next day.
Double the batch they disappear fast!

Recipe Variations

Add a pinch of black pepper for a more traditional bite.
Dip bottoms in melted white chocolate for a festive look.
Add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.

Recommended Equipment

Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Whisk
Hand or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling.

How to Store and Reheat

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. No reheating needed, but you can refresh with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

What To Serve With This Recipe

These are perfect with hot chocolate, spiced tea, or coffee. They also pair beautifully on a cookie tray with gingerbread or snickerdoodles.

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Pfeffernüsse have been a beloved holiday treat in Germany and parts of Europe since the 18th century. Though “nüsse” means “nuts,” it actually refers to their small, nut-like shape. They were traditionally made for St. Nicholas Day and have since become a staple in many holiday cookie tins.

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Pfeffernüsse Cookies Recipe Card