German Spice Cookie Recipe

German Spice Cookie Recipe is perfectly sweetened with brown sugar and molasses.

Also called Pfeffernusse, this cookie recipe has all of the wonderful Christmas spices and scents that taste like the holiday season. Perfect Christmas Cookies Recipes to add to your holiday baking.

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Why You’ll Love This Cookie Recipe

This German Spice Cookie recipe delivers old-fashioned holiday flavor with a soft, sugar-dusted finish that feels both cozy and classic.

• Warm spice blend: Cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and ginger create a deep, traditional spice flavor.
• Rich molasses dough: Brown sugar and molasses add moisture, chewiness, and authentic old-world taste.
• Soft, tender texture: Chilling the dough helps the cookies bake up thick and perfectly soft.
• Snowy sugar coating: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar adds sweetness and a festive look.
• Perfect for holiday trays: These cookies store well and fit right in with classic Christmas favorites.

This German Spice Cookie recipe is a timeless holiday cookie that brings warm spices and nostalgic flavor to every bite.

What is Pfeffernusse?

In general, Pfeffernusse are small, spicy and sweet cookies that are traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season in Germany and other European countries.

The name “pfeffernusse” translates to “pepper nuts,” as the cookies are flavored with a blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and black pepper.

The dough is made with ingredients like molasses, honey and brown sugar, which give the cookies their distinctive chewy texture and deep, caramel-like flavor.

Pfeffernusse are often rolled in powdered sugar after baking, giving them a festive and snow-like appearance.

And the best part – they are perfect for dipping in warm beverages like hot cocoa or mulled wine.

German Spice Cookie Ingredients

This cookie recipe take 20 minutes to prep and just 10 minutes to bake.

Be sure to plan for an hour of chill time, too.

Makes 2 dozen cookies!

• butter
• brown sugar
• egg
• molasses
• all-purpose flour
• baking soda
• ground cinnamon
• ground cloves
• ground allspice
• ground ginger
• powdered sugar

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

These German Spice Cookies are warmly spiced, soft on the inside, and finished with a snowy powdered sugar coating for a classic, cozy treat.

Kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl: to cream the butter, sugar, egg, and molasses.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: for mixing the dough until smooth and well combined.
• Separate mixing bowl: to combine the flour, baking soda, and spices.
• Measuring cups and spoons: for accurately measuring all ingredients.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: to scrape down the bowl and incorporate ingredients evenly.
• Refrigerator-safe container or plastic wrap: to chill the dough before baking.
• 1-inch cookie scoop or spoon: to portion the dough evenly.
• Baking sheets: to bake the cookies.
• Silicone baking mats: to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Oven mitts: for safely removing baking sheets from the oven.
• Cooling rack: to cool the cookies after baking.
• Ziploc bag: to coat the cookies evenly with powdered sugar.

With these tools on hand, you’ll be ready to bake up a batch of beautifully spiced German cookies perfect for sharing or gifting.

How to Make German Spice Cookie Recipe

Cream the butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs and molasses and mix to combine.

In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and spices. Stir to combine. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until thoroughly combined.

Transfer dough to the refrigerator and chill for one hour.

When ready to bake, place top oven rack in center position and pre-heat oven to
375°F.

Remove dough from refrigerator and form balls with a 1-inch scoop. Roll the dough in your hands to form a ball and set on baking sheet with an inch or two inches between each cookie.

Place baking sheets in the pre-heated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cookies cool for several minutes.

Working in batches, transfer cooled cookies to a Ziploc bag filled with powdered sugar.

Seal tightly and gently turn until cookies are thoroughly coated. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to serve. Enjoy! 

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