German Pfeffernusse With Frosting (Pepper Nuts)

Submitted by Olha7397

"A favorite German Christmas cookie."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 17
• Yields: 100 cookies

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups liquid honey
• 1⁄4 cup shortening
• 1 egg
• 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon finely crushed anise seed

• PFEFFERNUSSE FROSTING

• 2 unbeaten egg whites
• 1 tablespoon liquid honey
• 1⁄2 teaspoon finely crumbled anise seed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 cups icing sugar

directions

1. FOR THE COOKIES: Heat honey (do not boil) in a 4 quart sauce pan. Add shortening and cool. Beat in egg.
2. Sift dry ingredients together; gradually stir into the honey mixture. Knead dough slightly in bowl or on a board. Let dough stand 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 13 to 15 minutes. Yield: 96 to 108 cookies.
4. FOR THE FROSTING: Combine egg whites, honey and spices in a 1 quart bowl. Gradually beat in icing sugar, using a beater or mixer.
5. Place 12 to 14 Pfeffernusse in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of frosting. Stir gently to coat all sides. Place on a wire rack for frosting to harden. Store in a tightly closed container.
6. Wheatland Bounty.

Reviews

[bshemyshua]

This is without a doubt one of the best Pfeffernusse cookies I have had. My family really loved these. They went together very quickly. I have never had Pfeffernusse with Icing but this was very good. Even better than just dusted with powdered sugar. Thank you Olga for a very good recipe. By the way half of what I made of this batch of cookies will be included in Holiday cookie trays. The Holiday just wouldn't be the same with out Pfeffernusse.