Saving Room for Dessert

Delicious easy-to-follow recipes for food lovers!

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Breakfast
    • Candy
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes & Cakes
    • Desserts
    • Frozen Treats
    • Main Course
    • Other Yummy Stuff
    • Pies
    • Pizza
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Smoothies
    • Soups, Stews & Chili
    • Veges & Side Dishes
  • Travel
  • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Contact
Home
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Breakfast
    • Candy
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes & Cakes
    • Desserts
    • Frozen Treats
    • Main Course
    • Other Yummy Stuff
    • Pies
    • Pizza
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Smoothies
    • Soups, Stews & Chili
    • Veges & Side Dishes
  • Travel
  • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies

  Jump to Recipe |    13 Comments

1.4K shares
  • Share
  • Yum
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Deliciously spiced old-world Pfeffernüsse Cookies

 

A bowl Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies with white icing

Try these traditional old-world holiday cookies popular in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

Somewhat similar to Gingerbread, Speculaas and Lebkuchen cookies, Pfeffernüsse typically have a softer, light texture and a hefty helping of warm  spices. Pfeffernüsse cookies are unbelievably delicious and loaded with flavor. It’s easy to see why these cookies have been around for ages!

Old-fashioned, traditional Pfeffernüsse were baked into tiny cookies, about the size of a nut, making them easy to eat by the handful. These aromatic treats have been part of European holiday traditions since the 1850’s.

We’ve made our cookies a little larger but they’re still easily eaten in one big bite or two delicious nibbles.

 

Iced Pfeffernüsse spice cookies in a bowl

Traditional Pfeffernüsse cookies are sweetened with honey and molasses.

Often referred to as German cookies, Pfeffernüsse have evolved into a little sweeter cookie through the years. The modern versions often include granulated or brown sugar in the cookie dough as well as the traditional honey and molasses.

Present-day spice cookies are rolled in powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple icing, as I’ve done here.

 

Ingredients needed to make Pfeffernüsse cookies:

For the cookie dough:

  • all-purpose flour
  • salt
  • spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, white pepper, allspice, cloves and nutmeg
  • finely ground almonds, or almond meal/flour
  • candied ginger – you can usually find candied ginger in the bulk bins section of your local grocery store.
  • egg
  • cold milk
  • unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap)
  • honey
  • light brown sugar
  • unsalted butter
  • baking soda

For the glaze:

  • powdered sugar
  • hot water – adjust to achieve a nice thick glaze consistency
  • fresh lemon juice

 

Iced Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies in a Christmas bowl

How to make Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies:

To prepare the cookies:

  • Start by whisking together the flour, salt, spices and ground almonds until blended. Add the candied ginger and stir to combine.

  • Next combine the egg and cold milk in a separate bowl. Set aside.

  • Stir the molasses, honey, brown sugar and butter together in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and add the baking soda. Blend until combined.

  • Pour the warm honey and molasses into the flour mixture and stir until most of the flour is absorbed. Add the egg and milk then stir, using a wooden spoon or stiff spatula, until blended. Refrigerate the cookie dough for 20 to 30 minutes.

  • While the cookie dough is chilling, preheat the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Bake until the bottom of the cookies are just starting to brown. Don’t overbake!

  • Finally, remove to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

To prepare the glaze:

  • Combine the powdered sugar, hot water and lemon juice. Whisk until blended.

  • Place one cookie on the tines of a fork. Holding the cookie and fork over the bowl of icing, spoon some of the glaze over the top of the cookie allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the iced cookie on a wire rack to set.

  • Once dry store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

 

Even though the German, Danish and Dutch word Pfeffernüsse translates to ‘pepper nut,’ the original cookie recipe did not contain nuts.

After researching Pfeffernüsse recipes for many years, I finally came up with a recipe we all adore. I’ve combined some of the basics from 4 different recipes to come up with our (non-authentic) version.

I’ve included ground almonds and candied ginger in mine, which are both non traditional ingredients.

Many Pfeffernüsse recipes call for candied lemon peel or candied orange peel. You are welcome to substitute one of those in place of the candied ginger in our recipe. Candied orange peel is particularly lovely with this combination of spices.

 

A plate of German spice cookies also known as Pfeffernüsse

Can you freeze Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies?

Our Pfeffernüsse cookies freeze very well. Allow the icing to set and dry completely then store in an airtight container layered between sheets of wax or parchment paper. Seal the container by wrapping in foil, and freeze for up to 30 days.

Our spice cookies taste even better after they’ve had time to age. They’re the perfect make-ahead holiday cookie!

 

These cookies also hold up very well, making them great for shipping.

I recommend freezing the cookies first, then packing tightly to ship to loved ones for the holidays. These cookies don’t crumble or fall apart easily making them a terrific choice for travel.

Finally, have I mentioned that these cookies are absolutely delicious? These beloved Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies taste just like Christmas!

 

 

Thanks for PINNING!

A plate of Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies topped with a light lemon glaze

 

Let’s be baking friends! If you make our recipe please feel free to leave a comment on this post. I’m sure your experience and insights will help all our readers, and it helps me too. If you’re on Pinterest feel free to leave a comment and photo there if you have one!

If you share on INSTAGRAM tag @savingroomfordessert so we can stop by and give your post some love. FOLLOW Saving Room for Dessert on FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM| PINTEREST | TWITTER  and subscribe to our YOUTUBE channel for all the latest recipes, videos and updates.

 

5 from 4 votes

Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Yield: 42
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
Traditional holiday cookies popular in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

Ingredients

For the cookie dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (325g)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds, finely ground (or almond meal/flour) (30g)
  • ⅓ cup candied ginger, minced (60g)
  • 1 large egg, cold
  • 2 tablespoons cold milk
  • ⅓ cup unsulphured molasses, not blackstrap (115g)
  • ⅓ cup honey (115g)
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed (55g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the glaze:

  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (265g)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons hot water, more or less for desired consistency
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

To prepare the cookies:

  • In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, spices and ground almonds until blended. Add the candied ginger and stir to combine.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the egg and 2 tablespoons cold milk. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan combine the molasses, honey, brown sugar and butter. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and add the baking soda. Blend until combined.
  • Pour the warm honey and molasses mixture into the flour mixture and stir until most of the flour is absorbed. Add the egg and milk mixture and stir, using a wooden spoon, or stiff spatula, until blended. Refrigerate the cookie dough for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • While the cookie dough is chilling, preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Using a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat spacing the dough balls 1-inch apart.
  • Bake for 9 to 12 minutes or until the bottom of the cookies are just starting to brown. Do not overbake.
  • Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

To prepare the glaze:

  • In a small deep bowl, combine the powdered sugar, hot water and lemon juice. Whisk until blended. Place one cookie on the tines of a fork. Holding the cookie, and fork, over the bowl of icing, spoon some of the glaze over the top of the cookie allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the iced cookie on a wire rack to set.
  • Once dry, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Freeze dried cookies, well wrapped, for up to 30 days.

Recipe Notes

  • Optional: Roll the hot cookies in powdered sugar in place of the lemon glaze.
  • You may need additional glaze to ice all the cookies depending on how thick you make it. I recommend making one recipe of the glaze, then another half recipe if needed. The icing hardens quickly. Thin the icing if needed with a teaspoon of hot water.
  • Substitute candied orange peel or candied lemon peel in place of the ginger, if desired.
  • Freeze the cookies, well sealed in an airtight container, for up to 30 days.
  • Pfeffernüsse inspired by recipes on Simply Recipes, food.com, America’s Test Kitchen and Saveur.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

 

Here are a few more recipes you might also enjoy:

 

Gingerbread cookies cut into snowflake designs

Gingerbread Cookies

 

 

A bowl of speculaas spiced cookies

Speculaas Spiced Cookies

 

A Christmas plate filled with burnt sugar almonds

Burnt Sugar Almonds

 

Originally published December 2019, updated with a video November 2020

Before you leave

Join my free email list and get a FREE e-cookbook!
Never miss a recipe - sign up today!

You may also like these

Red Velvet Cake RecipeA plate of Ricotta CookiesRicotta CookiesA closeup of a plate of chocolate cookies topped with a chocolate mint icingChocolate Mint CookiesA plate of little lemon cookies dusted with powdered sugarLemon Cookies with Lemon Cream FillingA basket filled with pumpkin pizzellesPumpkin Spiced Pizzelles

Delicious Dinner Inspiration!

from quick & easy to company worthy

Previous Post: Cranberry Orange Muffins
Next Post: Rugelach Cookies

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

13 Comments

  1. Christine says

    December 28, 2020 at 1:43 pm

    5 stars
    These were part of my cookie platter this year and they were perfect. I made 11 different cookies (I come from Austria – we love our Christmas cookies) but these were hands down my husband’s favorite. I already got a request to make some more 🙂 I mixed half crystalized ginger and half candied orange peel.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 28, 2020 at 5:37 pm

      Sounds terrific Christine! Love the addition of orange peel and will try that next year. So happy your family enjoyed these cookies. We love them too! Have a happy, healthy and safe New Year.

      reply to this comment >
  2. monika says

    December 26, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    Hi! I am curious as to why the egg and milk need to be cold? Typically, recipes ask for these items (the items that are stored in the refrigerator) to be room temperature so they incorporate better into the batter. The only time we’re asked to use cold butter, for example, is in pie crust. Anyways, I look forward to learning from you and trying these cookies. We used to buy POLISH gingerbread cookies (pierniczki) and they were absolutely delicious, sometimes even stuffed with plum jam. While I prefer my chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies soft and chewy, this style of cookie has always been crunchy. Are your crunchy?!??!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 27, 2020 at 9:15 am

      You are right Monika. Using a cold egg and milk helps prevent the egg from scrambling when added to a warm mixture, in theory. Adding cold ingredients also helps cool down the heated mixture. These cookies are not crunchy or hard, but are substantial and chewy. Hope this helps!

      reply to this comment >
  3. Jane says

    November 23, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    So eager to try this lovely little cookie for my Christmas cookie gifts. I do have an observation that does lead to a question. Lately, when using butter in cooking or baking, I have noticed what I believe to be is a higher water content. Butter seems to splatter more on stovetop and my favorite cookie recipes are not as reliable as in the past. There is not much I can do about the splatter, but I have begun to lightly brown most of the butter for my cookies. This step removes some of the butter’s moisture and improves both flavor and batter texture. Do you have an opinion on using this method for your Pfeffernusse Spice cookie, or for that matter, for any cookies?

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      November 24, 2020 at 7:48 am

      Hi Jane. I had a problem with my favorite butter last year. Not sure what changed but some of my tried and true recipes failed. I’m not having any trouble now, but wonder if it will come back again. I like your idea of browning the butter and believe it would work well for these cookies. My only concern is that the cookies may be a little too dry. Please watch the texture of the cookie dough and perhaps add another tablespoon of butter, if needed. Good luck and thanks for the intriguing idea!

      reply to this comment >
  4. Maria says

    November 22, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    Hello! I`m Maria from Sofia- Bulgaria
    Thank you very much for the good recipes you publish, and especially for the Christmas cookies!
    I will prepare many of them for my family.
    Most of all I want to thank you pointing out the weight of the products, which is very important to me because I am from Europe, and we measure in grams.
    I will continue to follow you and wish you a Merry Christmas!
    Greetings! Maria

    reply to this comment >
  5. Chris Scheuer says

    December 4, 2019 at 3:08 am

    5 stars
    My mom used to make these every year. I had forgotten about them. Yours are so pretty, Tricia. They look like they came from a fine little German bakeshop!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 4, 2019 at 8:21 am

      Thank you Chris! They are very tasty and freeze beautifully too. Hope you are having a lovely holiday season!

      reply to this comment >
  6. [email protected] says

    December 2, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    5 stars
    Whenever I am in Germany during the holidays I indulge in Pfeffernüsse . Your recipes looks great . I have to wait until I can comfortably walk again but I am pinning them for right now. Your photos are stunning.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 3, 2019 at 8:23 am

      I was thinking of you when developing this recipe Gerlinde, and wondered if you had a family recipe you love. I hope you like these and get the chance to make them soon. Thanks so much and happy holidays to you and yours!

      reply to this comment >
  7. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    December 2, 2019 at 9:13 am

    5 stars
    Just lovely and so perfectly festive! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 2, 2019 at 1:33 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! We had a lovely day together and ate way too much 😉

      reply to this comment >

NEVER MISS A RECIPE

Join my free email list and receive a free e-cookbook!

All Content Copyright Saving Room For Dessert © 2022 • Privacy Policy • Site Design by Emily White Designs

1.4K shares
  • Pin
  • Share
  • Yum
  • Email
1.4K shares