Easy Pfeffernusse (german Christmas Cookie) Recipe

These traditional German cookies have a slight licorice flavor, but have many other spice-y flavors as well. They are very good for any time of year, but are traditionally served at Christmastime.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• pinch of white pepper
• pinch of nutmeg
• pinch of allspice
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp. anise extract

The ingredients for the glaze can be found on step 6.

Before you start, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and set it aside. After that, get a large bowl. whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices. (not the anise extract, though)

Now make a well in the center. Add the molasses, egg, butter, and anise extract. Mix until well combined. If you need to, you can use a hand mixer.

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, though you really don't have to be exact, and roll into a ball. Arrange them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart for spreading.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set. Let cool for a few minutes, and then glaze. Tip: make the glaze while the cookies are cooling.

To make the glaze, you will need:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 fl. oz. water
• 1 capful anise extract

Combine these until glossy, then drop in the cookies one at a time. They should be completely coated. If the glaze level gets too low, you can use a spoon to scoop some glaze on top. Once completely coated, use a spoon to fish them out. If you run out of glaze, which is possible, just follow the recipe (dividing as needed) to make more.

These cookies are super delicious, and don't need to be just for Christmas. They are delicious at any time of the year.