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.

Step 1: Ingredients

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.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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)

Step 3: Add Other Ingredients

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.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

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.

Step 5: Bake

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.

Step 6: Glaze

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.