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Authentic German Peppernuts Cookies

Delicious spiced cookies from Germany, perfect for the holidays and easily adaptable for various dietary needs.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom
  • ½ tsp ground anise
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Wet Ingredients
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 5 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 4 tbsp honey
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, anise, and black pepper). Mix well and set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, cream together the brown sugar and butter until smooth.
  3. Add the honey, molasses, and eggs to the sugar mixture and mix until fully combined.
  4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
  4. While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies in the icing and let them set.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature.