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mommy sugar's pepper nuts (pfeffernusse-pebernodder)

(3 ratings)
BethCarlton avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Beth Carlton
@BethCarlton
Sand Rock, AL

This is a very old recipe from Germany. These cookies are usually served with coffee or tea and enjoyed mainly at Christmastime. There is no shortening or butter in this recipe. Citron can be found during the holiday season in the produce or baking section with the candied fruit used to make fruitcake. Citron can be hard to find so I stock up when I find it and it freezes very well. It can also be purchased online. Traditionally these cookies are bite-size nuggets, but our family makes them into cookies. Feel free to experiment with different sizes, shapes, and add-ins. Enjoy!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

From gingerbread to Linzer, German cookies are world-famous and really special. These Pfeffernusse are no different. They're filled with fall spices, chopped pecans, and a bit of citrus flavor from orange zest and citron. Molasses gives the pepper nut cookie a wonderfully chewy texture. Typically these old-fashioned cookies are dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a glaze - both ways are delicious.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(3 ratings)
prep time 8 Hr 30 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For mommy sugar's pepper nuts (pfeffernusse-pebernodder)

  • 4 lg
    eggs, beaten
  • 2-1/2 c
    cane sugar
  • 1/2 c
    molasses
  • 2 tsp
    vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp
    fresh orange zest
  • 4 c
    plain all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 tsp
    baking powder
  • 1 tsp
    ground cloves
  • 1 tsp
    ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp
    ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp
    nutmeg, optional
  • 8 oz
    candied citron
  • 1 c
    pecans or walnuts
  • confectioners' sugar, for dusting

How To Make mommy sugar's pepper nuts (pfeffernusse-pebernodder)

  • Mixing eggs and sugar in a bowl.
    1
    In the large bowl of a stand mixer, blend together the eggs and sugar. Beat until creamy.
  • Adding molasses to the batter.
    2
    Add the molasses, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat 3-4 minutes on medium speed until well blended.
  • Flour and spices added to a bowl.
    3
    In a separate bowl, sift together 3-1/2 cups flour, the baking powder, and spices.
  • Coating citron and nuts in flour.
    4
    In another separate bowl, coat the candied citron and nuts with the remaining 1/2 cup of flour.
  • Adding flour to the batter.
    5
    Slowly add the flour and spice mixture to the batter and blend on fold/low speed just until combined.
  • Folding citrus and nuts into the batter.
    6
    Gently fold in the citron and nuts. Dough will be very thick and sticky.
  • Dough in an airtight container.
    7
    Place the dough in an air tight container and refrigerate overnight. This allows the spices to combine together for maximum spiciness!
  • Rolling the dough on a floured surface.
    8
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface.
  • Cutting out the cookies.
    9
    Cut out with cookie cutters or drop by the rounded spoonful and flatten out. Decorate as desired.
  • Cut cookies on a baking sheet.
    10
    Place on a cookie-sheet coated with cooking spray or parchment paper.
  • Cookies baked until lightly browned.
    11
    Bake for 12-15 minutes. Edges should be slightly browned. Cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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