Bake, Run, Live

Welcome to day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies!

Bless you! Oh sorry- I thought you sneezed!

Pfeffernuesse is a funny name for a cookie. According to wiki, it is of Dutch origin.

Last year was the first time I had heard of Pfeffernuesse cookies. A co-worker of mine (he’s in the office next to me- we beat on the walls like Morse code!), knows that I like to bake. We were talking one day close to Christmas, and got on the subject of cookies (it’s a given with me). He mentioned Pfeffernuesse are his favorite cookie, and his grandmother made the best ones. Sadly, he wasn’t aware if a recipe had ever been written down, so I asked if he was willing to taste test if I found a recipe. He said yes (this doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone, right?)!

I found a recipe, and with a few adjustments, presented him with some test cookies. The look on his face was one I will never forget. He briefly closed his eyes and savored that cookie. Then he looked at me and quietly said “Thank you. This reminds me of my grandmother.”

Today I am sharing that recipe with you. Enjoy the subtle warmth that comes from the spices in the cookies. They are unique (in a good way) and will thrill any cookie lover who enjoys a little spice. Oh, don’t be concerned that they are too spicy. I can’t handle spicy foods, but I think these are delicious!  I also think the light coating of powdered sugar helps add just the right amount of sweetness to the spice. I hope you will try these- I think they will delight your tastebuds!

Pfeffernuesse Cookies
Makes 4 dozen cookies
Prep time: 10 minutes     Bake time: 10-15 minutes

1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the molasses, honey, shortening, butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add in eggs. Stir in the cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, black pepper, and salt. Mix well. Add in the flour and stir till just combined. Using a medium sized ice cream scoop, scoop dough onto parchment paper lined cookie sheets (they will spread a little, so leave room). Bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, move cookies onto cooling racks and cool completely. Dust cookies with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

What kind of spices do you like in cookies?

Made with love, not calories!