German ‘ peppernuts’ Pfeffernusse cookies

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Pfeffernüsse are German Christmas cookies spiced with black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices. I have searched far and wide for a recipe that mimics my favorite, store-bought version of these cookies. After days of thrown-out cookies, I think I have come as close as I can get.

Step 2

Place molasses, honey, shortening, and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until creamy.

Step 3

Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Beat in eggs.

Step 4

Combine flour, white sugar, brown sugar, anise, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 5

Add molasses mixture; stir until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate dough until well chilled, about 2 hours.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Step 7

Roll dough into acorn-sized balls and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven until firm to the touch with slight cracking, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Dust cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar. Store in an airtight container.