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Classic Pfeffernüsse German Spice Cookies

Classic Pfeffernüsse German Spice Cookies - featured image
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A traditional German spiced cookie recipe passed down from Grandma, featuring a warm blend of spices and a light powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy winter baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) honey
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or dairy-free alternative
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, white pepper, cardamom, and salt.
  2. Using an electric mixer or wooden spoon, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in honey, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. Add more flour if too wet, but avoid over-mixing.
  5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Shape dough into 1-inch balls using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, placing them 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Wet hands if dough is sticky.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookies are golden but still soft in the center. Watch closely from 12 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  9. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely.
  10. Whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed for spreadable consistency.
  11. Dip or brush glaze onto cooled cookies and let set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough overnight is essential for flavor development and easier shaping. Watch the cookies closely during baking to avoid overbaking. Glaze cookies only after they have cooled completely to prevent melting. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and honey with maple syrup or agave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pfeffernüsse, German spice cookies, holiday cookies, traditional German recipe, spiced cookies, Christmas cookies, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/classic-pfeffern-u-sse-german-spice-cookies-easy-homemade-recipe-for-grandmas-favorite-treats/