Pfeffernuesse Cookie Mix

Traditional German cookies, Pfeffernuesse, are a delightful holiday treat.

These chewy, spicy, and sweet cookies are packed with warm flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.

With a crunchy pecan surprise in the middle, these buttery cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, and salt.

Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Yield: 9 cookies

Notes

Make sure to toast the pecans in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant, before chopping them to bring out their flavor.

If you want a crisper cookie, bake for 12 minutes.

If you prefer a chewier cookie, bake for 10 minutes.

To ensure the cookies retain their shape, don’t overmix the dough.

Use high-quality spices for the best flavor.

These cookies are perfect for gift-giving – package them in decorative tins or jars for a thoughtful present.

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 140
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 2g