Easy & Tasty Homemade Peppernuts Recipe

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introduction

There’s something magical about the aroma of warm spices wafting through the kitchen during the holiday season. If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy & Tasty Homemade Peppernuts recipe are a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy—a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for more.

Peppernuts, or Pfeffernüsse as they’re traditionally called, are a classic holiday cookie with roots in German and Scandinavian baking. Despite their name, they don’t actually contain nuts (unless you add them)! The “pepper” in the name refers to the pinch of black pepper or white pepper that gives these tiny cookies their signature warmth and depth of flavor. Fun fact: these little treats are often associated with Christmas markets and family gatherings, making them a nostalgic favorite for many.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requires no fancy equipment, and is perfect for baking with kids or friends. Plus, the dough can be made ahead of time, so you can bake a fresh batch whenever the craving strikes. If you loved our [Classic Gingerbread Cookies](insert link), you’ll adore these peppernuts for their similar spiced flavor but with a unique twist.

So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into this festive recipe that’s sure to become a holiday tradition in your home!

What Are Peppernuts?

Have you ever wondered why these tiny, spiced cookies are called “peppernuts”? Spoiler alert: there are no actual nuts in the recipe (unless you add them)! The name Pfeffernüsse comes from the German words for “pepper” and “nuts,” referring to the pinch of pepper that gives these cookies their warm, spicy kick. Some say the “nut” part of the name comes from their small, nut-like size.

These little bites are like the holiday version of a flavor explosion—sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive. Think of them as the lovechild of gingerbread and shortbread, but with a personality all their own. As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these peppernuts are sure to win over anyone who tries them.

Ready to bake up a batch of these festive goodies? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Peppernuts Recipe

1. Irresistible Flavor: These peppernuts are packed with warm, cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of pepper. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making them a holiday favorite.
2. Budget-Friendly: Skip the expensive store-bought holiday treats! This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients that won’t break the bank. Plus, you’ll get dozens of cookies from one batch—perfect for gifting or sharing.
3. Fun to Customize: While the classic recipe is divine, you can easily add your own twist. Toss in some chopped nuts, drizzle with icing, or dip them in chocolate for an extra-special treat.

How to Make Peppernuts

Quick Overview

This recipe is as easy as it gets! With just 15 minutes of prep time and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delicious peppernuts ready to bake. The dough comes together quickly, and the cookies bake to a perfect golden brown with a slightly crisp exterior and a tender center.

Key Ingredients for Peppernuts

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp black or white pepper (trust us, it’s the secret ingredient!)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
5. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into small, nut-sized balls (about 1 teaspoon of dough per cookie).
6. Bake: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

What to Serve With Peppernuts

These spiced cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy holiday treat. For a festive dessert spread, serve them alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or fruitcake.

Top Tips for Perfecting Peppernuts

• Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for easy shaping and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
• Adjust the Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice levels to suit your taste. Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Keep baked peppernuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To refresh the cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Health Benefits of Peppernuts Recipe

While peppernuts are definitely a treat, they do offer some surprising health benefits thanks to their spices:

There you have it a simple, delicious, and festive recipe that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these Easy & Tasty Homemade Peppernuts are sure to bring joy to your kitchen. Happy baking!

Peppernuts Recipe From DelishDish!

Easy & Tasty Homemade Peppernuts Recipe

Recipe by MaryCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

60

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Calories

40

kcal

These Easy & Tasty Homemade Peppernuts are bite-sized, spiced cookies perfect for the holiday season. Made with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of pepper, they’re sweet, slightly spicy, and utterly addictive. Simple to make and budget-friendly, they’re ideal for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp black or white pepper (trust us, it’s the secret ingredient!)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup molasses

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

• Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper. Set aside.
• Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
• Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into small, nut-sized balls (about 1 teaspoon of dough per cookie).
• Bake: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• For a softer cookie, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes.
  Add chopped nuts or dip in chocolate for a fun twist.
  Dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.

References

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