On December 23ed we celebrate National Pfeffernusse Day every year a day dedicated to the tasty Cookie called Pfeffernuss (plural, Pfeffernusse). This spice delicacy is believed to have originated in Germany, but it is also very popular in Denmark and the Netherlands.
Pfeffernusse is a holiday treat that has been an integral part of Yuletide celebrations like St. Nicholas Day and Christmas and National Pfeffernusse Day is a day to make your own Pfeffernusse and enjoy the tasty delicacy with friends and family. But being Spicy it isn’t something I would be able to have. But David and Charlie could try it with you.
Pfeffernusse, also known as ‘Pepernoten’ or Peppernuts, originated from Central Europe. A confectioner from Offenbach am Main, named Johann Fleischmann, is believed to have created the recipe in 1753. Since then, Pfeffernusse became very popular, attracting the interest of so many people, including renowned individuals like Felix Mendelssohn.
Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands are the Countries most popularly known for this delicacy. In North America, the ethnic Mennonites are also very fond of Pfeffernusse. Today, the recipe is widely available and the Bookie is widely consumed around the world.
However, Pfeffernusse is traditionally reserved for the holiday period, around December. This is in keeping with the tradition of its origins, as the Cookie has been associated with the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas.
The traditional recipe consists of Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Black Pepper, Mace, Anise, Sugar, Butter, Eggs, and Flour. Popular Nuts including Walnuts and Almonds are also used to give the Cookie some flavor. Leavening agents are applied to the mixture, kneaded, and then baked. They usually come out hard from the oven but would soften after a few days.
Also, Pfeffernusse are tiny and are sometimes shaped like Nuts, which is probably why they are called Peppernuts. Nowadays, bakers make alterations to this recipe to include some other ingredients or remove some existing ones.
While Pfeffernusse generally have a spicy taste, you can easily adjust the amount of Spice you’d want. On National Pfeffernusse Day, homemade Peppernuts are made available for the family and guests. Looks like I need to visit a bakery to see if I can find some. Would you like to come with me?
How To Celebrate National Pfeffernusse Day
- Recipes are easily accessible on the internet find one and get the ingredients, and work the magic in the kitchen.
- Since National Pfeffernusse Day falls during the Christmas period, it is good to have friends and family to enjoy the delicacy together.
- Engage your friends and co-workers and tell them about the history of Pfeffernusse and the sweetness thereof.
Facts About Pfeffernusse
- Pfeffernusse are often rubbed with Sugar Powder or Honey on the outside.
- Due to the variety of Spices added, Pfeffernusse can have a very spicy taste.
- Pfeffernusse is also known as Peppernuts and Pepernoten.
- Did you know Pfeffernusse is often confused with Russian Tea Cakes, ‘Speculaas,’ and ‘Kruidnoten.’
- Bakers personalize recipes but keep traditional ingredients while adding others of their choice.
Why People Love National Pfeffernusse Day
- Pfeffernusse ingredients required are easily accessible and the process of mixing and baking is very straightforward.
- Pfeffernusse are a good holiday treat instead of other too common and sometimes unhealthy treats, and they’re very tasty, and you might not want to stop eating once you start.
- On National Pfeffernusse Day, you can be with family and friends and join hands in the kitchen to bake your batch of Pfeffernusse.
Recipe for Pfeffernusse
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Additional Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours 30 mins Servings: 18 Yield: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup molasses
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¼ cup margarine
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons anise extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Directions
- Gather the ingredients.
- Place molasses, honey, shortening, and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until creamy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Beat in eggs.
- Combine flour, white sugar, brown sugar, anise, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add molasses mixture; stir until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate dough until well chilled, about 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Roll dough into acorn-sized balls and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until firm to the touch with slight cracking, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust cooled cookies with confectioners’ sugar. Store in an airtight container.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
