Pfeffernüsse (German Spice Cookies) - Recipes From Europe (2024)

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Pfeffernüsse – Also Called German Spice Cookies – Are A Classic Holiday Cookie!

Of all the tastes of the holidays we can thank Germany for, German spice cookies – or Pfeffernüsse – are an absolute classic!

Made with fragrant spices like cinnamon, cloves, and actual ground pepper, these bite-sized cookies are perfect with or without their simple glaze.

Pfeffernüsse (German Spice Cookies) - Recipes From Europe (1)

Luckily, our Pfeffernüsse cookies recipe is easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients.

This means that you can whip up a batch of spice cookies to put out on that holiday dessert plate – or just enjoy them yourself!

Spice cookies are a traditional taste when it comes to holiday time in Germany. Lisa grew up eating these cookies with friends and family.

They also carry with them a familiar smell and flavor that you can typically find at German Christmas markets.

Pfeffernüsse (German Spice Cookies) - Recipes From Europe (2)

The cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper just ooze thoughts of winter celebrations kind of like gingerbread does.

While we’re talking about German cookies, German Pfeffernüsse are actually different than Lebkuchen, the classic German gingerbread.

The difference lies in the fact that Pfeffernüsse are rolled into a ball and include actual ground black pepper in the ingredients. In contrast to Lebkuchen, Pfeffernüsse are also not placed onto “Oblaten” which are very thin wafers.

Looking for more holiday cookies to make? Try our German hazelnut cookies, vanilla crescent cookies, easy butter cookies, spritz cookies, and cinnamon stars!

Pfeffernüsse (German Spice Cookies) - Recipes From Europe (3)

Even thought the recipe for Pfeffernüsse might look complicated at first glance, it’s actually not difficult at all. There are just a few ingredients.

When making German spice cookies, it’s important to have at least ground pepper and cinnamon on hand. This is because the different spices really give the cookies their unique flavor.

We also like adding nutmeg and clove spice, but you could also add ground ginger and/or ground anise if you like those flavors.

As for storage tips, be sure to keep Pfeffernüsse cookies in an airtight container. Stored correctly, they will last for around four weeks.

So you can really whip up a batch in advance of any special holiday event/day and you’ll have German spice cookies ready to go!

Pfeffernüsse (German Spice Cookies) - Recipes From Europe (4)

Pfeffernüsse – or German Spice Cookies – are a classic holiday cookie. These delicious cookies are made with a number of fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ground pepper. Glazed with a simple icing, these bite-sized cookies make a great addition to any holiday cookie plate.

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Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 60

Ingredients

The Dough

  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup ground almonds
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon clove spice
  • a pinch of salt

The Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice or water

Instructions

  • Melt the butter and the honey on low heat in a small pot on the stove. Stir constantly and remove the pot from the stove as soon as the honey and butter are melted. Set aside.

  • In a large bowl, mix the egg and the sugar with the normal beater attachment of your electric mixer until they have a creamy consistency. Add the butter-honey mixture and mix again until everything is combined.

  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, ground almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, clove spice, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon to stir everything around.

  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the large bowl with the wet ingredients while using your electric mixer on the lowest setting. The mixture will be slightly crumbly at first. Set your mixer aside and use your hands to form a ball of dough – make sure everything is well combined.

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Use a small teaspoon to separate a bit of the dough and use the palm of your hands to form a small ball. The ball should have a diameter of just under 1-inch since it will get slightly bigger in the oven. Form balls of roughly the same size with all of the dough and place them on the parchment paper with some space in between.

  • Bake the Pfeffernüsse in the oven for approximately 15 minutes. Ours were done at exactly 15 minutes, but since every oven is different your baking time might be slightly shorter or longer.

  • Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack to fully cool.

  • Once the Pfeffernüsse have cooled sufficiently, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice or water together. You can either dip the top of the cookies into the glaze or brush the glaze onto the top of the cookies. Let the glaze harden. You can also leave some of the cookies without a glaze.

Notes

  • If you don’t have all the spices mentioned on hand, don’t worry. It’s okay to skip some. However, we would really recommend that you add the pepper and the cinnamon. If you want, you could also add (or substitute) ground anise and/or ground ginger.
  • You can store the cookies in an airtight container with a lid where they will stay fresh for around four weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 26mg | Sugar: 4g

This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.

Course Dessert

Cuisine German

Author Recipes From Europe

Pfeffernüsse (German Spice Cookies) - Recipes From Europe (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular cookie in Germany? ›

Lebkuchen are an integral part of the German Christmas, and all Christmas markets in the country bask in the irresistible aroma of Germany's favorite cookie.

What does pfeffernusse mean in German? ›

The name literally means 'peppernuts', and does not mean it contains nuts. The cookies are roughly the size of nuts and can be eaten by the handful, which may account for the name. They are named for the pinch of pepper added to the dough before baking.

What is the difference between lebkuchen and pfeffernusse? ›

Pfeffernusse and lebkuchen are both similarly flavored with honey and lots of warm baking spices but pfeffernusse are almost always small, rounded cookies coated with a powdered sugar glaze, while lebkuchen may be shaped like regular cookies or cut in bars and are generally glazed with chocolate.

What are German spice cookies called? ›

Bursting with flavour, these German spice cookies known as pfeffernüsse, are considered a holiday treat.

What is Europe's favorite cookie? ›

Europe's Favorite Cookie with CoffeeSince 1932, Biscoff® cookies have been Europe's coffee break favorite. Delectably crunchy, with a simple, yet refined flavor, Biscoff cookies are perfect for taking the timeout that you deserve.

What is the number one cookie in the world? ›

Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

Is pfeffernüsse the same as gingerbread? ›

Both are sweetened with a mixture of sugar and honey/syrup, flavoured with warm spices and often use the same technique to make the dough. The difference, as you may have guessed from the name, is the primary flavour. Whilst pure gingerbread uses only ground ginger, pfeffernüsse use a full quintet of spices.

What is a heart cookie in Germany? ›

These sweet cookies are a classic German treat. Be the first to review! These German "gingerbread hearts" (Lebkuchenherz) are a common sight in Bavaria during the fall and winter holidays.

Why does pfeffernusse taste like licorice? ›

Pfeffernusse have a flavor similar to a traditional gingerbread cookie but have a distinct kick from the ground pepper and a hint of licorice from the anise extract. These cookies hold up really well, so they are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.

What is the famous German gingerbread? ›

In Germany, when you think of Christmas, you think of Nuremberg Lebkuchen, the city's famous gingerbread. These sweet and spicy treats have been baked for more than 600 years and are loved by young and old alike.

What is the white stuff on the bottom of German cookies? ›

WHAT IS ON THE BOTTOM OF LEBKUCHEN? Oblaten Lebkuchen are distinguished by a signature edible wafer (collectively called Oblaten in German) on the bottom. The wafers are made from wheat flour, starch, and water.

What are cookies called in Europe? ›

In many English-speaking countries outside North America, including the United Kingdom, the most common word for a crisp cookie is "biscuit". The term "cookie" is normally used to describe chewier ones. However, in many regions both terms are used. The container used to store cookies may be called a cookie jar.

Are Biscoff cookies German? ›

The story of Lotus Biscoff starts in 1932 in a local bakery in Lembeke, a Belgian town. The unique recipe was brought to perfection with carefully selected natural ingredients. Today, Lotus Bakeries is still family-owned and based in its home town. And from there, the tasty cookie continues to conquer the world.

Which word is a common German cookie? ›

Lebkuchen is a traditional German cookie that is usually baked for Christmas.

What is the most popular sweets in Germany? ›

The Best German Candy to Try This Season
  • Mozartkugel. ...
  • Ritter Sport. ...
  • Haribo Peaches/Fruit Salad/Happy-Cola Gummi Candy. ...
  • Trolli Pfirsiche. ...
  • Odenwaelder Marzipan Mini Pigs. ...
  • Marzipan Feine Currywurst mit Pommes. ...
  • Katjes Licorice Cats. ...
  • BONUS: Arsch mit Ohren.
Dec 6, 2019

What baked goods is Germany known for? ›

German desserts
NameDescription
FranzbrötchenA small, sweet pastry, baked with butter and cinnamon.
FriesentorteLayer cake made with whipped cream, puff pastry and plum jam. A specialty of North Frisia and East Frisia.
GugelhupfA marble cake or Bundt cake.
58 more rows

What is the number one dessert in Germany? ›

The Apfelstrudel is the most popular pastry in Germany. Germans often top Apfelstrudel with vanilla cream and whipped cream. What is Germany's most famous dessert? Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is Germany's most famous dessert.

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