Pfeffernessle
Pfeffernessle Recipe from Germany - Sugar, Almonds, and More
Introduction
Pfeffernusse is a traditional German cookie that is popular during the holiday season. These small, spicy cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
History
Pfeffernusse cookies have been enjoyed in Germany for centuries. The name "Pfeffernusse" translates to "pepper nuts" in English, referring to the spicy flavor of the cookies. These cookies are often made during the Christmas season and are a favorite treat for many families.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- First, add enough flour to the mixture until it drops nicely onto buttered tins.
- The mixture should be cut into very fine pieces and baked until they are as large as a silver dollar.
Variations
- Add a teaspoon of ground ginger for an extra kick of spice.
- Drizzle the cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a sweet finish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to finely chop the almonds, citron, and candied lemon to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Pfeffernusse cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat during the holiday season.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to bake the cookies until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have citron, you can substitute with additional candied lemon or orange peel.
- You can use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Pfeffernusse cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Pfeffernusse cookies with a glass of mulled wine or hot apple cider for a cozy holiday treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Pfeffernusse cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be reheated in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Pfeffernusse cookies contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Pfeffernusse cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Pfeffernusse cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Pfeffernusse cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Pfeffernusse cookies contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
Alergens
Pfeffernusse cookies contain almonds and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Pfeffernusse cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of essential nutrients.
Summary
Pfeffernusse cookies are a delicious and traditional German treat that is perfect for the holiday season. With a spicy flavor and crunchy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with a hot beverage for a cozy and festive treat.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Pfeffernessle. It was a cold winter day and I was visiting my dear friend Helga in her cozy kitchen. Helga was a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious meals and treats that left me in awe. As I walked into her kitchen that day, I was greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of spices and sweets.
Helga was bustling around the kitchen, a whirlwind of activity as she prepared for an upcoming family gathering. I watched in fascination as she carefully measured out ingredients, her hands moving with practiced precision. She noticed my curious gaze and with a smile, she beckoned me over to the counter where she was working.
"Come, sit down, my dear," she said. "I want to teach you a family recipe that has been passed down through generations."
I eagerly took a seat at the kitchen table, my eyes wide with anticipation. Helga handed me a tattered old recipe card, the edges yellowed with age. On it was written the recipe for Pfeffernessle, a traditional German spiced cookie that I had never heard of before.
"This recipe has been in my family for centuries," Helga explained, her eyes twinkling with pride. "It is a special treat that we make during the holidays, a symbol of love and tradition."
As Helga began to walk me through the recipe, explaining each step in detail, I listened intently, committing every word to memory. She showed me how to mix the flour and spices, how to roll out the dough and cut it into delicate shapes. I watched as she expertly shaped the cookies, her hands moving with grace and skill.
As the cookies baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a heavenly scent, Helga regaled me with stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her the recipe when she was just a little girl. She spoke of the love and care that went into each batch of cookies, how they were a labor of love that brought her family together during the holidays.
When the cookies were finally done, Helga presented me with a plate of warm, fragrant Pfeffernessle. I took a bite, savoring the rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that danced on my tongue. The cookie was sweet and spicy, a perfect blend of warmth and comfort.
As I finished my cookie, a sense of nostalgia washed over me. I thought of my own grandmother, who had taught me so much about cooking and baking. I remembered the hours we had spent together in the kitchen, her hands guiding mine as we mixed and stirred, laughed and shared stories.
I thanked Helga for sharing her family recipe with me, for opening up her heart and her kitchen to me. As I left her house that day, a small box of Pfeffernessle in hand, I felt a sense of connection to my own past, to the traditions and memories that had shaped me into the cook I was today.
And so, armed with Helga's recipe and the memories of her kitchen, I set out to make my own batch of Pfeffernessle. As I rolled out the dough and shaped the cookies, I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. I knew that this recipe, this tradition, would be passed down through my own family for generations to come.
And as I took a bite of a warm, fragrant Pfeffernessle, I knew that I was honoring not only my own grandmother, but the long line of women who had come before me, each one passing down their love and their recipes, their stories and their traditions. And for that, I was eternally grateful.
Categories
| Almond Recipes | Candied Fruit Recipes | Citron Recipes | Egg Recipes | Ethnic And Regional Cookies | German Recipes | German Snacks |