German Spiced Pfefferkuchen Cookies

Recipe Collection: Dessert

German Spiced Pfefferkuchen Cookies are a festive treat that brings the warmth of traditional German baking to your kitchen. These vegetarian cookies are rich with a blend of spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, complemented by a refreshing lemon glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings, they can be enjoyed with tea or coffee, making them a versatile addition to any dessert table.

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Overview

Pfefferkuchen, also known as "pepper cakes," is a traditional German spice cookie similar to gingerbread. This recipe, passed down from Sabine Muller, offers a unique blend of spices and a delightful lemon glaze, perfect for holiday baking.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Gluten, Dairy, Eggs

Cuisine

German

Serving Size: 108

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 Cups molasses
• 1.5 Cups honey
• 1.5 Cups white sugar
• 0.5 Cups butter, divided
• 1.5 Teaspoons lemon zest, grated
• 1 Teaspoon anise seed, ground
• 1 Teaspoon ginger, ground
• 1 Teaspoon nutmeg, ground
• 0.75 Teaspoons cloves, ground
• 0.75 Teaspoons cinnamon, ground
• 0.5 Teaspoons cardamom, ground
• 2 Tablespoons baking soda
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 9 Cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 0.25 Cups cocoa powder
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 2 Whole eggs

Steps

1. In a large saucepan, bring molasses, honey, and sugar to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Stir in butter, lemon zest, anise, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom into the cooled molasses mixture.
4. Dissolve baking soda in water and stir into the molasses mixture.
5. Sift 6 cups of flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together in a large bowl. Stir in the molasses mixture and eggs until smooth.
6. Gradually stir in the remaining 3 cups of flour until a stiff dough forms.
7. Divide the dough into 4 pieces for easier handling. Roll each piece on a well-floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
8. Transfer the cookies to ungreased baking sheets.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges.
10. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving or icing.

Enjoy your homemade German Spiced Pfefferkuchen Cookies!