Skip to Content
Menu

German Pfeffernuesse

  • Save
  • Pin
  • Print
  • Share
  • Jump to Recipe
Betty Crocker Kitchens
Updated Nov 7, 2025
  • Save
  • Pin
  • Print
  • Share
  • Jump to Recipe

Step into a traditional German kitchen this holiday season with the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked Pfeffernuesse. A beloved Christmas cookie, the name Pfeffernuesse (pronounced FEF-fer-new-seh) literally translates to "pepper nuts" in German. This unique name perfectly describes these treats: "pepper" refers to the pinch of black pepper and the wide array of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon that give the cookies their signature kick, while "nuts" alludes to their small, rounded, nut-like shape.

This classic recipe uses molasses and buttermilk to create a wonderfully soft and chewy cookie, bursting with festive flavor. Dusted with powdered sugar, these bite-sized spice cookies are a delightful and distinctive addition to any holiday cookie platter, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Get ready to bake a batch of these authentic German delights.

Recipe Ingredients

Each component in this recipe plays a part in creating the final texture, flavor, and appearance of these traditional cookies.

Sugar: Sugar is the primary source of sweetness.

Buttermilk: It adds a subtle, pleasant tang that balances the deep sweetness of the molasses and sugar.

Molasses: Molasses is a key ingredient for both flavor and texture. It provides the deep, robust, and slightly smoky sweetness characteristic of many traditional holiday baked goods. It also contributes the signature dark color of the cookies.

All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the foundation and provides the primary structure of the cookies.

The Spice Blend (Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Black Pepper): This combination is the heart and soul of Pfeffernuesse, giving the cookies their name ("pepper nuts").

Anise Oil: Anise provides a distinct, licorice-like flavor that is very traditional in German holiday baking. Using oil instead of extract provides a more potent and pure flavor. It is listed as optional because its flavor is quite strong and specific, but for a truly authentic Pfeffernuesse, it is highly recommended.

Powdered Sugar: The finishing touch. Its primary role is to coat the cooled cookies, providing a beautiful, snowy appearance that contrasts with the dark cookie.

Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Butter, baking soda.

How to Store German Pfeffernuesse

Here are quick and easy instructions for storing your German Pfeffernuesse cookies, along with how long they'll stay fresh.

Room Temperature

These cookies are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If you're stacking the cookies in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers. This prevents them from sticking together. Properly stored, German Pfeffernuesse cookies will stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks. The molasses in the recipe helps keep them soft and chewy for an extended period.

German Pfeffernuesse

  • Prep Time 60 min
  • Total 3 hr 0 min
  • Servings 240
  • Ingredients 12
  • Save
  • Pin
  • Print
  • Share
  • Keep Screen On

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 1/4 cups Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon anise oil, if desired
  • Powdered sugar
Make With
Gold Medal Flour

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    In large bowl, combine sugar, butter, buttermilk and molasses; beat well. Add flour and all remaining ingredients except powdered sugar; mix until well blended. Cover dough with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 2 hours for easier handling.
  • Step 
    2
    Heat oven to 350°F. On floured surface, shape dough into 4 long rolls, 15 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. With serrated knife, cut rolls into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place 1/4 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
  • Step 
    3
    Bake at 350°F. for 8 to 9 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets; place on wire racks. Cool 5 minutes or until completely cooled. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Nutrition

50 Calories
2g Total Fat
1g Protein
8g Total Carbohydrate
4g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 4 Cookies
Calories
50
Calories from Fat
20
Total Fat
2g
3%
Saturated Fat
1g
5%
Cholesterol
4mg
1%
Sodium
30mg
1%
Total Carbohydrate
8g
3%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Sugars
4g
Protein
1g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
0%
0%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
0%
0%
Iron
0%
0%
Exchanges:
1/2 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 1/2 Fat;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe Tips

© 2025 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved

Reviews & Questions Section