Sunshine Community Gardens

Pfeffernuesse

"Pepper Nuts" or "Spice Nuts" are English for this traditional German Christmas cookie.

3/4 cuphoney

3/4 cupunsulphured molasses

1/4 cupshortening

1 largeegg

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4 cupssifted all-purpose flour

1 teaspoonsalt

1 teaspoonsoda

1 teaspoondouble-acting baking powder

1 teaspoonground nutmeg

1 teaspoonground allspice

3/4 teaspoonground cardamom seed

1/2 teaspoonground black pepper

1/4 teaspoonground anise seed

Pfeffernuesse Frosting

Heat honey, molasses and shortening in microwave until warm and shortening is melted. Cool. Beat in egg.
Sift remaining ingredients together and gradually stir in honey mixture.
Let dough stand 30 minutes to stiffen enough to handle.
Moisten hands and shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Bake on parchment paper or lightly greased cookie sheets in a preheated 350 degree oven 13 - 15 minutes.
Frost with Pfeffernuesse Frosting.
If a soft cookie is desired, store airtight.

YIELD: 11 dozen cookies

1 largeegg white

2 teaspoonslight corn syrup

1/4 teaspoonground cardamom

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1-1/2 cupssifted confectioners' sugar

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a 1-quart mixing bowl. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar.
Place 12 to 14 cookies and 2 tablespoons frosting, at a time, in a mixing bowl. Stir with fork until all cookies are lightly covered.
Repeat using all cookies and frosting.