Pfeffernusse Crescents

Pfeffernusse Crescents Recipe - Authentic German Holiday Cookies

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Pfeffernusse Crescents are a delightful German cookie that is perfect for the holiday season. These crescent-shaped cookies are flavored with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and are sweetened with honey. They are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

Pfeffernusse cookies have been a traditional German Christmas treat for centuries. The name "Pfeffernusse" translates to "pepper nuts" in German, referring to the spicy flavor of the cookies. These crescent-shaped cookies are often enjoyed during the holiday season and are a favorite among families and friends.

Ingredients

2.5 cups flour
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.25 tsp nutmeg
0.25 tsp ground cloves
0.25 cups unsalted butter
2 eggs
1 tbsp orange zest
1 cup honey
powdered sugar

How to prepare

In a bowl, whisk together the first 8 ingredients.
Set the mixture aside.
In a second bowl, beat the butter, eggs, and zest until smooth. Then, beat in the honey until well combined. Finally, beat in the dry ingredients until fully combined.
Cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Take 1 tsp of dough and shape it into a ball.
On a floured work surface, shape each ball into a log that is 2.5 inches long.
Blend the log into a crescent shape and place it on an ungreased baking sheet.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Bake the cookies for 8 minutes or until they turn slightly golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 1 minute.
Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Be sure to shape the dough into crescents while it is still cold to prevent it from sticking to your hands.

- Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm will help the sugar stick to the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Pfeffernusse Crescents with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to refrigerate the dough overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

- Shape the dough into crescents while it is still cold to prevent it from sticking to your hands.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use molasses instead of honey for a deeper flavor.

- Substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Pfeffernusse Crescents ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Pfeffernusse Crescents on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pfeffernusse Crescents with a glass of mulled wine or hot apple cider for a cozy holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Pfeffernusse Crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pfeffernusse Crescents contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pfeffernusse Crescents contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pfeffernusse Crescents contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Pfeffernusse Crescents contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pfeffernusse Crescents are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Pfeffernusse Crescents contain eggs and wheat.

Summary

Pfeffernusse Crescents are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of carbohydrates and provide a small amount of protein.

Summary

Pfeffernusse Crescents are a delicious holiday treat that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. These crescent-shaped cookies are flavored with a blend of spices and sweetened with honey, making them a festive and flavorful addition to any holiday gathering. Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a cold winter's day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the back of my pantry. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Pfeffernusse Crescents. The name alone sounded exotic and enticing, and I knew that I had to give it a try.

I had never heard of Pfeffernusse Crescents before, but the ingredients seemed familiar enough - flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a mix of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The recipe called for the dough to be rolled out and cut into crescent shapes, then baked until golden brown. The finishing touch was a dusting of powdered sugar, giving the cookies a snowy appearance.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, measuring out the flour and sugar, and creaming the butter until it was light and fluffy. I added the spices, cracking the eggs one by one into the bowl and mixing everything together until a smooth dough formed. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the kitchen, warming me from the inside out.

As I rolled out the dough and shaped it into crescents, I couldn't help but think about where this recipe had come from. Had it been passed down through generations of bakers, each one adding their own twist to the mix? Or had it been discovered by accident, a happy accident that had been shared with friends and family over the years?

I imagined a bustling kitchen, filled with laughter and chatter as women worked together to create these delicate crescent-shaped cookies. Perhaps they were made for special occasions, like weddings or holidays, or simply as a treat for loved ones to enjoy with a cup of tea.

As I slid the tray of Pfeffernusse Crescents into the oven, I felt a sense of anticipation building inside me. I couldn't wait to see how they would turn out, to taste the fruits of my labor and discover whether this recipe would become a new favorite in my collection.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the tray out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool. The Pfeffernusse Crescents had turned a lovely golden brown, with a hint of spice peeking out from beneath the powdered sugar. I picked one up, feeling its warmth in my hand, and took a bite.

The flavors exploded in my mouth - sweet and spicy, with a hint of buttery richness that melted on my tongue. The texture was perfect, crisp on the outside and tender within, just like a good crescent should be. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

As I sat at the kitchen table, enjoying my freshly baked Pfeffernusse Crescents with a steaming cup of tea, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a cookie - it was a connection to the past, a link to the bakers who had come before me and shared their love of baking with the world.

And as I finished the last bite of my crescent-shaped cookie, I made a silent promise to myself to pass this recipe on to future generations, so that they too could experience the joy of creating something delicious from scratch and sharing it with those they loved.