Christmas Pfeffernusse Cookies

Cupcake-Princess's Note:

I got this delicious German spice cookie recipe from a local newspaper. Instead of using light molasses like the recipe calls for, I use regular molasses beacause I like the darker color.

• Total Time: 22 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 24 cookies

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon anise seed , crushed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄8; teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup butter , softened
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 egg
• powdered sugar , for rolling baked cookies in

Directions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, salt, baking soda, pepper, aniseeds, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves, set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed cream butter, sugar, and molasses until fluffy. Beat in egg. On low speed gradually add flour mixture and beat just until blended. Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease baking sheets. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch sized balls. Place balls two inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes.
4. When cookies are cool enough to handle, but still warm roll in powdered sugar. Transfer cookies to cooling racks to cool completley.

Reviews

[Miss Amanda]

Yum! At first glance they look too sweet and maybe like a bon bon, then they hit your mouth. I made this recipe and they did not last the night. All were devoured. Subtle flavor almost like a tea or coffee cake. My words are NOT giving fair measure to their allure. Try some. You will want more. :) I did not have anise seeds so I substituted with half a measure of tarragon instead. Still very yummy.

[kookiebaker]

The perfect Christmas cookie! Spicy bite with a little heat! I did not have any allspice, so I substituted cardamom. This will be a new staple in my holiday baking! Thanks for posting!