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. This post contains affiliate links.

Be sure to check out my other delicious Christmas recipes!

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 Recipe

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!

Cookie Ingredients:

• ¾ c. unsalted butter
• 1 c. light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/8 c. molasses
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 2 t. baking soda
• 1 t. ground cinnamon
• 1 t. ground cloves
• ½ t. ground allspice
• ½ t. ground ginger
• 1 c. powdered sugar

Directions for 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! 

For more Christmas cookie inspiration!

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