Pfeffernüsse: German “Pepper-Nut” Holiday Cookies

1. 1

   Combine white and brown sugars in a saucepan with honey, water, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper. Set over medium heat and whisk until the sugars dissolve and it just begins to simmer. Immediately take off the heat and let cool slightly.

2. 2

   Add salt, baking soda, heavy cream, and egg, and whisk until fully combined. Add flour and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together into a dough.

3. 3

   Transfer the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Press it into a ball and wrap tightly. Refrigerate and let rest.

4. 4

   When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. 5

   Remove the dough from the refrigerator and scoop into rounded teaspoons. Roll each portion into a smooth ball if desired, and place on a prepared baking sheet.

6. 6

   Bake in the center of the preheated oven until the cookies are perfectly dome-shaped with lightly golden brown bottoms; do not overbake. Let cool on the pan to room temperature.

7. 7

   While the first batch cools, repeat Steps 5 and 6 to shape and bake the remaining cookies.

8. 8

   For the icing, place powdered sugar in a bowl. Stir in lemon juice, a few teaspoons at a time, until the icing is very thick but still slightly runny.

9. 9

   Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing. Let the excess drip, then flip it over and place on a wire rack set over parchment paper to harden.

• Calories 71.15 kcal Low Source
• Protein 0.79 g Low Source
• Carbs 16.18 g Moderate
• Total Fat 0.33 g Low Source
• Saturated Fat 0.17 g Low Source
• Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
• Cholesterol 5.09 mg Low Source
• Sodium 5.08 mg Low Source
• Fiber 0.29 g Low Source
• Sugar 11.04 g High
• Added Sugar 0.01 g Low Source
• Calcium 1.7 mg Low Source
• Iron 0.34 mg Low Source
• Potassium 6.42 mg Low Source
• Vitamin A 1.27 mcg_rae Low Source
• Vitamin C 0.01 mg Low Source
• Vitamin D 0.04 mcg Low Source

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Eggs 🥚
• Milk 🥛
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten