~*~ Pfeffernusse Cookies ~*~

Pfeffernusse are a traditional German Christmas cookie. The name translates to "pepper nuts" and they are sometimes referred to as spice drops. Legend has it, Saint Nicholas placed these round gingerbread treats baked with black pepper and covered with powdered sugar in children's boots left out on the night of December 5. As time went on people decided that Pfeffernusse were too good to only enjoy one day a year. Soon it became a tradition to share them as gifts throughout the holiday season.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup molasses (or sorghum)
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons anise extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon allspice, ground
1 cup confectionery sugar (more if needed)

Directions: Combine butter, honey and molasses in a pot and melt over low heat on the stove. Do not boil! Remove from heat and let cool. Beat eggs and anise extract together and stir into honey mixture. In a large mixing bowl add the flour, sugars, spices and salt and mix together well with a spoon. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir till makes a stiff dough. Chill about 3 hours in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator and roll into small balls with your hands or you can cut some of the dough with cookie cutters. Place on sprayed or greased cookie sheets. Bake in preheated 325 degree oven 15 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool. Roll in confectionery sugar. Store in airtight container and allow to sit for a couple days before serving. Makes about 4 dozen cookies depending on size you make them. ~ Chef ~