Lydia's Winter Spice Peppernuts perfect for gift bags
Pfeffernüsse, also known as Peppernuts, are crisp and spicy little cookies that are perfect for gift bags. Using store-bought ground spice is fine, but for a more full flavor, grind up the spices fresh at home.
1 cup unsalted butter 1 cup dark brown sugar 1 egg
1 cup finely ground almonds
2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cardamom 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp white pepper 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp ground allspice 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground mace
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Cream the butter with the sugar in a large bowl until smooth, then add the egg and ground nuts and set aside.
3. In a second bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, soda and spices, making sure all lumps are removed.
4. Blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too wet, add an additional 1 tbsp of flour at a time until it forms a stiff dough that is not sticky.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and, if desired, chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
6. Separate the dough into six equal portions and roll out on a lightly floured surface into ropes about half an inch thick.
7. Cut ropes of dough into half-inch pieces using a floured knife or scissors to make small nuggets. These can be flattened slightly or rolled round if desired.
8. Place cookies evenly on a parchment paper covered baking sheet, leaving a half inch between each one.
9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned.
10. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool completely before storing.
Peppernuts keep well in an airtight container for up to a month.