Table of Contents
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 Recipe?
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 recipe
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 recipe
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
- 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.
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:
| Ingredient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon | May help regulate blood sugar levels |
| Nutmeg | Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties |
| Black Pepper | Aids digestion and boosts nutrient absorption |
| Molasses | A good source of iron and calcium |
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
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy60
servings15
minutes12
minutes40
kcalThese 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.
Conclusion: Peppernuts Recipe
The peppernuts recipe makes a beloved holiday treat that combines warmth sweet, spice, and a hint of spice and spice all within one bite. The small, crisp cookies flavored with cloves, cinnamon, and a touch of pepper are ideal for gatherings during the holidays and cookie exchanges or for a sweet snack alongside the tea or coffee.
What makes peppernuts unique is their rich, spicy taste that gets better as time passes and allows the cookies to be prepared in advance and eaten all through the season. They’re easy to make and with just a little cutting and rolling to make the perfect batch of cookies within a matter of minutes.
This recipe has endured the test of time and has been passed over generations, and it’s easy to understand the reason. If you stick with the original recipe or play with your flavors, Peppernuts are a festive, fun snack that’s bound to be a staple among your holiday baking recipes.
So take your ingredients out, make a batch, bake, and take pleasure in these delicious, spicy bites of traditional!
FAQs: Peppernuts Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Peppernuts Recipe?
Peppernuts are small, crunchy spiced cookies made with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of pepper. They are traditionally baked during the holidays.
How do you make Peppernuts?
To make Peppernuts, you mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, spices) with butter, eggs, and milk. Then, roll the dough, cut into small pieces, and bake until crispy.
Can I customize the Peppernuts recipe?
Yes! You can add your favorite spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, or experiment with glazing them with a simple sugar syrup for added sweetness.
Share Your Twist!
Have you added your own twist to the Peppernuts recipe? Maybe you’ve swapped in a different spice, added a dash of vanilla, or even dipped them in chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness? We’d love to hear how you’ve made these spiced cookies uniquely yours!
Feel free to share your creative versions, favorite spice combinations, or any secret ingredients that made your Peppernuts even more irresistible. Whether you’ve kept it traditional or added something special, your ideas might inspire others to try something new this holiday season!
Drop your version in the comments or share a photo of your delicious creations. Let’s keep the Peppernuts tradition alive and make it even sweeter, one twist at a time! 🍪✨
Peppernuts are such a unique holiday cookie, and I love how you described the balance of spices. It’s not often you see black pepper in sweet treats, but I’m definitely intrigued by how it adds depth to these cookies.
I’ve always wanted to try making Pfeffernüsse but thought they’d be complicated. This recipe looks super straightforward, and I appreciate the step-by-step instructions. I can already imagine the wonderful aroma filling the house!
I love that peppernuts don’t require any fancy equipment—sometimes the best recipes are the simplest! It’s always fun to bake something with a bit of history behind it.
The spice blend sounds incredible—do you have a favorite variation using white vs. black pepper? I’m curious how that changes the flavor profile, especially in such bite-sized cookies.
I really appreciate how you highlighted the cultural background of peppernuts. It makes baking them feel more meaningful—like continuing a tradition rather than just making a snack.
I love that you included the fun fact about peppernuts not actually containing nuts—it’s such a common misconception! The hint of pepper really makes these feel like the holidays in a bite.
Thanks for breaking this down so clearly! The spice mix sounds cozy—have you ever added a citrus zest to brighten the flavor a bit?