Pfeffernüsse Cookies

Prep 30 min
Total 1 hr 45 min
Ingredients 9
Servings 96

These nutty, spiced, bite-sized cookies are a sweet addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Based on the classic European holiday cookie, our version includes Pillsbury™ sugar cookie dough with the addition of spices, toasted pecans, molasses and orange zest to make a treat that's simple yet special. MORE+ LESS-

By Pillsbury Kitchens

Updated August 27, 2019

Make with

Pillsbury™ Cookie Dough

Ingredients

roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated sugar cookies

1/2

cup all-purpose flour

1/2

cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

1/2

teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4

teaspoon ground allspice

1/8

teaspoon ground black pepper

tablespoons dark molasses

teaspoon orange zest

3/4

cup powdered sugar

Steps

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1

Heat oven to 350°F.
2

In large bowl, break up cookie dough. Stir or knead in all ingredients except powdered sugar until well mixed. Divide cookie dough into 8 portions; shape each portion into a ball. On lightly floured surface, working with 1 dough ball at a time, (refrigerate remaining dough balls) roll into 12-inch rope; cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Repeat with remaining dough portions.
3

Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are set and edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool 5 minutes; roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Cool completely, about 20 minutes. Store in covered airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

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Expert Tips

To toast pecans, heat oven to 350°F. Spread nuts in an even layer in ungreased shallow baking pan. Bake uncovered 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown.
Keep dough refrigerated before rolling into ropes and cutting.
For best results, bake cookies one sheet at a time on the center oven rack.
Store cookies in an airtight container in single layers between parchment or waxed paper at room temperature up to 1 week. Cookies can be frozen up to 2 months. To thaw, let stand uncovered at room temperature 1 to 2 hours.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Cookie

Calories: 30
Calories from Fat: 10

% Daily Value

Total Fat: 1 1/2g; 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 0% Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg; 0%
Sodium: 15mg; 1%
Potassium: 10mg; 0%
Total Carbohydrate: 5g; 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0% Sugars 3g
Protein: 0g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 0%; 0%
Vitamin C: 0%; 0%
Calcium: 0%; 0%
Iron: 0%; 0%

Exchanges:

0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 0 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choice

1/2

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

Pfeffernüsse—also called peppernuts—are a traditional Christmas cookie found throughout Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark. They often include a mix of spices including cinnamon, clove, nutmeg or cardamom.
Can't get enough cookies around Christmastime? We have plenty of Christmas cookie recipes to choose from.