St.Nicholas Day falls on December 6th every year and
Sourdough Pfeffernüsse cookies go hand in hand with the celebration. Nicholas Day is a tradition that I experienced in Germany 50 years ago and these days I am happy to play the part of Nicholas as schools and churches (me in costume December at
Park City Day School).
Typically, on December 5th someone dressed as the good Saint would drop by homes and visit with the children to see if they had been doing kind deeds and were ready for Christmas. After leaving, children would place their shoes out with carrots or hay for Nicholas' white horse. In the morning the children would find pfeffernüsse, clementines, and other treats stuffed in their shoes.
These cookies are small, round German cookies typically made with molasses, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. They are traditionally coated with a confectioner's glaze or powdered sugar after being baked.
Pfeffernüsse cookies are a popular Christmas treat in Germany and other parts of Europe. They are also enjoyed by Mennonite communities in North America. These cookies are often served with coffee or tea, and they can be stored for a long time without going bad, which is one reason German folk baked them each Winter.
The name "pfeffernüsse" translates to "pepper nuts," which is a fitting name given the subtle hint of black pepper that is called for in the recipe (personally, I use white pepper).
But there are many variations of pfeffernüsse cookies, however, they are generally all made in a similar way with all the spices of the holiday season.
The dough is typically made by combining molasses, brown sugar, and spices with flour, sourdough starter, butter, and eggs. The dough is then chilled overnight and rolled into small balls, which are baked until firm. After the cookies have cooled, they may be dipped in a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or just covered with powder sugar.
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful Christmas cookie, pfeffernüsse are a great option. They are easy to make and don't require any special ingredients. So why not give them a try this holiday season?
Here is our recipe for pfeffernüsse sourdough cookies:
Ingredients:
- 2½ heaping cups [330g] all-purpose flour
- ½ cup [120g] discard (or active sourdough starter)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
-
½ tsp ground nutmeg
-
½ tsp allspice
-
¼ tsp ground cloves
-
¼ tsp white or black pepper (optional)
-
½ tsp [3g] baking soda
-
¼ tsp [1.5g] salt
- ½ cup [113g] salted butter, softened
-
⅔ cup [150g] packed light brown sugar
-
¼ cup [85g] molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and pepper [if using]).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, starter, milk, and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or if desired allow the dough to ferment 8-12 hours to mitigate gluten and deepen flavors).
- Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dip the cookies in the glaze, or roll them in powdered sugar if desired. Let them cool completely before storing.
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Today, Pfeffernüsse are enjoyed during the winter holiday season, often paired with coffee, tea, or warm mulled wine. They are also a popular addition to cookie platters and gift baskets. Their small size and long shelf life make them ideal for sharing and savoring throughout the festive season.
So, while the exact origins of Pfeffernüsse cookies may be shrouded in mystery, their deliciousness and enduring popularity are undeniable. They are a delightful reminder of the culinary traditions that bring people together during the holidays and a testament to the enduring power of a good cookie recipe.
