Best Authentic Pfeffernusse Cookie Recipe (2024)

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Baked with the perfect combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper (or pfeffer), Pfeffernusse Cookies are my family’s favorite traditional German cookies.Bursting with warm, holiday spices, these German spice cookies are tender and warm and the best dunking cookie as they cool!

I love the spices of the holidays, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and especially family traditions that taste delicious.And these deliciously spiced cookies are in our cookie jar every Christmas.

If you’re looking for another dessert recipe, check out Joy’s Classic Sugar Cookies that are crunchy and buttery, and my Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies are a must with their chewy texture and delicious flavor. Christmas Simmering Spices are wonderful for a hostess gift. And these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the best on any cookie exchange table!

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Pfeffernusse Pronunciation

How do you say this crazy named cookie? The “P” is silent, sorta, a little “puff of P” at the beginning is more authentic. <feffer – noosa> is the more typical German pronunciation, I grew up calling them pfeffernuss (feffer – noos), no “a or e” on the end.

History behind Pfeffernüsse Cookies

This pfeffernüsse cookie recipe comes from my dad’s mom, born in the late 1800’s. Check out that typed (on an old-fashioned typewriter) recipe; I think my mom typed this, but even still, it’s probably at least 50 years old. (see image below).

They’re traditionally made in Germany for Christmas and other special holidays. The aroma of a fresh batch always reminds me of my dad and grandmother. Grandma’s recipe makes a lot, I typically cut the recipe in half, after-all she had 6 boys, I have 2! You can read more about her in my post for the best pasta salad.

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I made these cookies alongside my mom since I can remember, I don’t remember Christmas without these traditional German cookies. My dad loved them when they sat in an airtight container for 3-5 days before eating, they get hard, like a biscotti and are perfect for dipping in your tea or coffee. When the German spiced cookies age in a sealed airtight container, the flavors intensify, making them even more fantastic!

I prefer them softer, freshly baked. Warm and chewy, with warm spices dancing in your mouth! These are not peppery at all, just the best combination of spices in a Christmas cookie, a no butter cookie to be exact!

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Are these Authentic Pfeffernusse Cookies?

About as authentic and traditional as I know. My grandparents were 100% German, tracing our heritage back to Prussian royalty, these pfeffernusse cookies were my grandmother’s family recipe, makes them authentic.

Some might argue that traditional pfeffernusse are coated in a powdered sugar glaze, while others like me insist that they should be coated in powdered sugar. So just like Italian sauces vary by region, so do these no butter cookies!

Primary Ingredients

The measurements and instructions are all in the free printable recipe at the end of the post.

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  • Flour | I use organic unbleached white flour, but any flour will work. For a gluten-free option, use a GF flour blend.
  • Sugar | The sweetness of pure cane sugar is essential for this German spiced cookie.
  • Eggs | Eggs help bind your ingredients together in addition to giving the final product a great taste.
  • Baking Powder | This is a leavening agent to help your dough rise when baking.
  • Spices | The combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper (pfeffer), allspice, and ginger give this pfeffernusse cookies recipe its memorable flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar | You only need enough to roll your cookies in, but they look so lovely when finished this way.

Instructions

Beat your eggs and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Add all the spices.

Whisk the baking powder and flour together and slowly mix into the batter until incorporated.

Knead the batter with a mixer for a couple of minutes, using the paddle attachment.

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Arrange small scoops of dough onto a baking sheet. Typically about walnut sized or slightly smaller, you can use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon. The dough will be dryer than a typical dough, but should hold together when pressed and formed into balls.

Bake for 15 minutes. Cool for a few minutes and coat with powdered sugar. (optional)

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Variations

  • Instead of coating with powdered sugar, you can make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk or try my browned butter glaze or try my amazing basic vanilla buttercream glaze.
  • Top these pfeffernusse cookies with a metallic luster dust for an extra special look, or mix a little into the powdered sugar to add pop and sparkle to your cookies.
  • Ground red pepper is another pretty topping if you want more spice and color, it’s a little sweeter than regular black peppercorns.
  • Have you ever tried baking with anise? Anise is a ground herb that tastes a little like black licorice. It goes well with this recipe. If you prefer the licorice notes, you can add a bit of extract or ground anise to the spices.
  • Honey can replace the sugar! Because honey is so sweet, you’ll only need 1-¾ cups, though I have never made them with honey, so let me know if you try this!
  • My grandmother’s recipe called for diced, candied orange or lemon peel — gag (sorry!). My mom never put that in, but if you like candied fruit, then dice and toss in 4 tablespoons of your favorite.
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Gluten-Free Pfeffernuss Cookies

A gluten-free flour blend or almond flour will work wonders in this recipe if you can’t have gluten. While I have not made these gluten-free I think that they would turn out fabulous!

TFC Pro Tips

  • Pro Tip 1 | Don’t skimp on your spices in this recipe! This dessert is known for its combination of spices. So, be brave and put in the black pepper, it’s really a tiny amount!
  • Pro Tip 2 | To make the German spiced cookies the same size, use a scoop.
  • Pro Tip 3 | If you want to get ahead for the holidays, you can make this recipe in advance. Freeze the dough or the cookies after they’re baked.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does pfeffernusse mean?

Pfeffernusse is directly translated to mean pepper nut, but anyone in Germany will know you’re referring to the spiced cookie.

Are pfeffernusse cookies German gingerbread?

Almost! Pfeffernuss are rounded and dusted or glazed with sugar, but the spices are similar.

How do you store pfeffernusse cookies?

Keep them in a sealed container. They are usually eaten a few days after making them to give the flavors time to deepen. If you don’t eat them after 1-2 days, they will be soft. After 4 days, they will be crunchy! Both ways are delicious!

Are these no butter cookies?

They are! A unique no butter cookie that is still soft, but has no dairy in them, the eggs provide lift and flavor.

Can I make a smaller batch of pfeffernusse cookies?

Yes, in fact, I typically make half a recipe, the measurements easily cut in half.

Recommended Equipment

  • Since these no butter cookies are like German gingerbread, they benefit from having a good stand mixer, helping blend and knead the cookie dough together.
  • Sturdy half sheet pans are a must, the USA brand is my favorite!
  • And don’t forget the parchment paper making it easier for clean up.
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More Christmas Dessert Recipes:

  • Yugoslavian Christmas Cookies from my friend Debi! Love these!
  • Mint Fudge Chocolate Brownies | not to be missed this holiday season!
  • Oatmeal Rolled Sugar Cookies | Yes, a slightly unusual but so delicious sugar cookie!
  • Buckeye Bars | the same decadent Christmas candy without all the work.
  • Greek Butter Cookies | Koulourakia | These are simply, fun and amazing!
  • Salted Chocolate Graham Bites | a delicious, gooey Christmas treat
  • Easy Traditional Tiramisu | Because they are neighboring countries you should make this too!
  • The Best Key Lime Pie | Simply the best!
  • Old Fashioned Lemon Squares Recipe
  • White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake (Instant Pot or Oven)

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Pfeffernusse Cookies | Traditional German Spice Cookie

Baked with the perfect combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper (or pfeffer), Pfeffernusse Cookies are my family’s favorite traditional German cookies.Bursting with warm, holiday spices, these German spice cookies are tender and warm and the best dunking cookie as they cool!

4.89 from 27 votes

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 36 -48 Cookies

Calories: 103kcal

Author: Kathleen Pope • The Fresh Cooky 2021

Ingredients

  • 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups pure cane sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper pfeffer
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • 4 tablespoons minced candied orange peel optional
  • Powdered Sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper, silpat or grease with a little spray oil or other non-stick spray.

  • Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add spices, mixing to combine. Whisk baking powder and flour together, then add ½ cup at a time until incorporated, the mixture will be thick and stiff. Knead in the mixer on low for 2 minutes.

  • Using a small cookie scoop, 1-2 tablespoons, about the size of walnuts. Arrange on parchment lined baking sheet (or be sure to grease cookie sheet).

  • Bake in preheated 300 degree oven for 15 minutes, remove and cool for 5 minutes, then carefully coat in powdered sugar if desired. To coat in powdered sugar, place 1-3 pfeffernusse at a time into a bowl or baggie filled with about 1 cup of powdered sugar, turn to coat, remove and let cool completely on wire rack.

  • The notes that I remember the most from my Grandma Flo, and my dad, was to store these cookies in an airtight container (they used tins back in the day) for 4 days before serving. The flavors deepen even more. But they do get hard, the longer they sit, they become more like a biscotti , a great tea or coffee dipping cookie. I personally like them on day 1 or 2, as they are a bit softer.

  • I always am reminded of my dad and Grandmother and the German side of our family when I make these cookies, they can be an acquired taste, but they are a spiced cookie that we love!

  • Cut this recipe in half for a smaller batch of cookies, my Grandmother had 6 boys! She had to feed a lot!

Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

Variations

  • Instead of coating with powdered sugar, you can make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk or try my browned butter glaze or try my amazing basic vanilla buttercream glaze.
  • Top these pfeffernusse cookies with a metallic luster dust for an extra special look, or mix a little into the powdered sugar to add pop and sparkle to your cookies.
  • Ground red pepper is another pretty topping if you want more spice and color, it's a little sweeter than regular black peppercorns.
  • Have you ever tried baking with anise? Anise is a ground herb that tastes a little like black licorice. It goes well with this recipe. If you prefer the licorice notes, you can add a bit of extract or ground anise to the spices.
  • Honey can replace the sugar! Because honey is so sweet, you’ll only need 1-¾ cups, though I have never made them with honey, so let me know if you try this!
  • My grandmother's recipe called for diced, candied orange or lemon peel — gag (sorry!). My mom never put that in, but if you like candied fruit, then dice and toss in 4 tablespoons of your favorite.
  • Gluten-Free Pfeffernusse Cookies

    A gluten-free flour blend or almond flour will work wonders in this recipe if you can’t have gluten. While I have not made these gluten-free I think that they would turn out fabulous!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 11 serving | Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 22mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g

    Best Authentic Pfeffernusse Cookie Recipe (17)

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    Best Authentic Pfeffernusse Cookie Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    What does pfeffernüsse mean in German? ›

    The name literally means 'peppernuts', and does not mean it contains nuts. The cookies are roughly the size of nuts and can be eaten by the handful, which may account for the name. They are named for the pinch of pepper added to the dough before baking.

    What is the difference between lebkuchen and pfeffernusse? ›

    Pfeffernusse and lebkuchen are both similarly flavored with honey and lots of warm baking spices but pfeffernusse are almost always small, rounded cookies coated with a powdered sugar glaze, while lebkuchen may be shaped like regular cookies or cut in bars and are generally glazed with chocolate.

    Why does Pfeffernusse taste like licorice? ›

    Pfeffernusse have a flavor similar to a traditional gingerbread cookie but have a distinct kick from the ground pepper and a hint of licorice from the anise extract. These cookies hold up really well, so they are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.

    What is unusual about Pfeffernusse? ›

    Pepper. A traditional pfeffernusse cookie isn't complete without the pepper. The pfeffernusse cookie uses white pepper to provide a unique flavor that defines this treat. White pepper provides a bit of a kick while amplifying the earthy flavor and undertones essential to the delicious taste of a pfeffernusse cookie.

    What does Kipferl in German mean? ›

    The term "Kipferl" translates to "crescent" in German, referring to its distinctive crescent shape. Austria offers various types of Kipferl, each with its own unique taste and texture. One popular variation is the yeasted wheat dough Kipferl, which is commonly enjoyed for breakfast, either plain or with butter and jam.

    What is the famous German gingerbread? ›

    In Germany, when you think of Christmas, you think of Nuremberg Lebkuchen, the city's famous gingerbread. These sweet and spicy treats have been baked for more than 600 years and are loved by young and old alike.

    Does Aldi have pfeffernüsse cookies? ›

    Nutrition Facts in Aldi Pfeffernüsse Gingerbread Cookies

    There are 6 servings per package of three cookies. So, 18 cookies per bag. Each serving has 110 calories, 15 grams of sugar, and only a half gram of fat. There's a tiny bit of protein, with 2 grams per serving.

    What is the plural form of pfeffernusse? ›

    Borrowed from German Pfeffernüsse, plural of Pfeffernuss (literally “pepper nut”).

    How to eat pfeffernusse? ›

    Pfeffernusse cookies are packed with an intense spice flavor that will truly tantalize your taste buds! After the cookies cool, they become very hard. Hard enough that they require dipping into a liquid such as cold milk or hot coffee to soften them for eating.

    Where are Pfeffernusse cookies made? ›

    These cookies are a popular holiday treat in Germany, Denmark, and The Netherlands. Pfeffernusse are small, round cookies filled with ground spices, molasses, and brown sugar. Until a few years ago, I had never heard of these German cookies.

    What is the Dutch name for pfeffernüsse? ›

    They are called Pfeffernüsse (plural, singular is Pfeffernuss) in German, pepernoten (sing. pepernoot) in Dutch, päpanät in Plautdietsch, pfeffernusse or peppernuts in English, and pebernødder in Danish.

    What is a heart cookie in Germany? ›

    These sweet cookies are a classic German treat. Be the first to review! These German "gingerbread hearts" (Lebkuchenherz) are a common sight in Bavaria during the fall and winter holidays.

    What are the ingredients in Lambertz pfeffernüsse cookies? ›

    WHEAT Flour (GLUTEN), Glucose Fructose Syrup (WHEAT), Sugar, Potato Starch, Spices (1%), Caramelised Sugar Syrup, Raising Agents (501, 450, 500, 503), Fructose, Sunflower Oil, Humectants (420, 422), Acidity Regulator (270, 330), Dried EGG White, MILK Solids, Pure Butterfat (MILK), Apple Extract, Apricot Puree, Gelatine ...

    Is pfeffernüsse the same as gingerbread? ›

    Both are sweetened with a mixture of sugar and honey/syrup, flavoured with warm spices and often use the same technique to make the dough. The difference, as you may have guessed from the name, is the primary flavour. Whilst pure gingerbread uses only ground ginger, pfeffernüsse use a full quintet of spices.

    Why is German gingerbread special? ›

    German Gingerbread is soft and moist, unlike the hard gingerbread that is known in North America. It is made with nuts and a special spice mixture called Lebkuchen spice that is similar to Pumpkin Pie Spice and gives them their unique flavor.

    What is a German gingerbread heart called? ›

    Lebkuchenherzen have become a staple in German celebrations, especially around Oktoberfest and Christmas time. They're typically decorated with intricate icing designs and lettering, including endearing or funny messages. Try your hand at making them and share them with someone you love!

    What is a German cookie called? ›

    Lebkuchen. This traditional German cookie is one of the most popular around Christmastime because it has those classic gingerbread flavors. The soft, chewy, and lightly glazed treats are a must-have for your cookie plate. Get the Lebkuchen recipe at A Beautiful Plate.

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