Pfeffernüsse Cookies

Pfeffernüsse Cookies is a medium German recipe that serves 30. 85 calories per serving. Recipe by KAM Appliances on YouTube.

Prep: 54 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 1 hr 18 min

Cost: $4.85 total, $0.16 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (fine table or kosher salt)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 0.75 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon White Pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon Allspice
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 30 grams Almond Flour (finely ground)
  • 60 grams Candied Ginger (chopped very small)
  • 1 large Egg (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons Whole Milk (or half-and-half)
  • 0.66 cup Honey (liquid, preferably mild flavor)
  • 0.25 cup Brown Sugar (packed, dark brown)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 2.5 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1.5 tablespoons Hot Water (adjust to reach desired glaze consistency)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together 2½ cups flour, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¾ tsp ground cardamom, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp white pepper, ½ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp ground cloves, and ¼ tsp ground nutmeg until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Add Almond Flour

    Stir in 30 g almond flour and whisk until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Coat Candied Ginger

    Add 60 g chopped candied ginger to the dry mixture, tossing until each piece is coated with flour.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Melt Wet Ingredients

    In a saucepan over medium‑low heat, combine 2⁄3 cup honey, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Baking Soda

    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 tsp baking soda; the mixture will foam slightly.

    Time: PT0M30S

  6. Mix Egg and Milk

    In a small bowl whisk together 1 large egg and 2 tbsp whole milk (or half‑and‑half) until smooth.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Combine Wet and Dry

    Pour the honey‑butter mixture into the dry ingredients, add the egg‑milk mixture, and stir until just combined. The dough will look slightly crumbly.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Rest the Dough

    Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  9. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 375°F

  10. Form Cookie Balls

    Scoop the rested dough and roll into 1‑inch (about 2.5 cm) balls. Place them on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Bake Cookies

    Bake for 8–9 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. Rotate the sheet halfway through for even color.

    Time: PT9M

    Temperature: 375°F

  12. Cool Cookies

    Remove the sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    Time: PT5M

  13. Prepare Lemon Glaze

    In a small bowl whisk together 2½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1½ tbsp hot water until smooth. Adjust with a little more water if the glaze is too thick.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Ice the Cookies

    Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze, let excess drip off, place back on the parchment sheet, and allow the glaze to harden.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Store

    Once the glaze is set, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 30 days.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
85
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
14 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Dairy, Tree Nuts (Almond)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Pfeffernüsse Cookies

Recipe by KAM Appliances

Traditional German Peppernut (Pfeffernüsse) cookies made with warm spices, almond flour, candied ginger, and a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect for St. Nicholas Day or holiday gifting, these cookies keep well for up to three weeks at room temperature and a month in the freezer.

MediumGermanServes 30

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
58m
Prep
24m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.85
Total cost
$0.16
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Melt honey, brown sugar, and butter without boiling.
  • Rest the dough for 30 minutes to hydrate flour.
  • Watch the cookies closely after 7 minutes to avoid over‑baking.
  • Adjust glaze consistency with hot water as needed.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot pan and melted honey mixture can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • Oven is hot; use mitts when handling baking sheet.
  • Glaze contains hot water; avoid splashing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of German Peppernut Cookies in German holiday cuisine?

A

German Peppernut Cookies, known as Pfeffernüsse, date back to medieval Europe and are traditionally baked for St. Nicholas Day on December 6. They were originally made with honey, spices, and sometimes a hint of pepper, symbolizing warmth and festivity during the cold winter months.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pfeffernüsse in German cuisine?

A

In northern Germany the cookies are often coated in a thick sugar glaze, while in the south they may be dusted with powdered sugar or left plain. Some regions add a splash of rum or brandy to the dough for extra flavor.

cultural
Q

How are German Peppernut Cookies traditionally served in Germany during the holidays?

A

They are typically served alongside mulled wine or Glühwein, placed in children’s stockings on St. Nicholas Day, and enjoyed with coffee or tea throughout the Advent season.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are German Peppernut Cookies associated with in German culture?

A

Besides St. Nicholas Day, Pfeffernüsse are popular throughout Advent, Christmas markets, and family gatherings, often given as homemade gifts or used to fill holiday cookie tins.

cultural
Q

What makes German Peppernut Cookies special or unique in German cuisine?

A

The combination of warm spices, a hint of white pepper, and a sweet lemon glaze gives Pfeffernüsse a distinctive sweet‑spicy flavor profile that sets them apart from other German cookies like Lebkuchen or Springerle.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making German Peppernut Cookies at home?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which creates a tough texture, and baking too long, which dries the cookies out. Also, failing to coat the candied ginger with flour can lead to large, chewy ginger clumps.

technical
Q

Why does this German Peppernut Cookies recipe use baking soda instead of baking powder?

A

Baking soda reacts with the acidic honey and brown sugar mixture, creating a light, airy crumb and a subtle tang that balances the sweet spices. Baking powder would not provide the same lift or flavor nuance.

technical
Q

Can I make German Peppernut Cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After glazing, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three weeks, or freeze them for up to a month. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when glazing German Peppernut Cookies?

A

The glaze should be smooth and glossy, coating the cookie evenly without running off. After setting, the glaze should be firm to the touch but not brittle, giving the cookie a shiny finish.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel KAM Appliances specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel KAM Appliances focuses on showcasing kitchen appliances, demonstrating how to use them for everyday cooking, and sharing practical recipes that highlight the performance of their featured appliances.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel KAM Appliances' approach to German holiday baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

KAM Appliances emphasizes appliance‑centric techniques, such as using precise temperature controls on ovens and mixers, and provides clear, step‑by‑step instructions that cater to home cooks looking to get the most out of their kitchen equipment.

channel

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