German Spice Pfeffernusse Cookie Recipe (Pepper Nuts)

Holiday baking is in full force and these Pfeffernüsse Holiday Cookies taste just like Christmas!  They are easy to make, and will be a family favorite for years! 

Every December, right around the time Chicago decides to turn into a snow globe, I get the sudden urge to bake something nostalgic and wonderfully spiced. And truly, nothing brings that warm-and-cozy holiday feeling faster than a batch of classic Pfeffernüsse cookies (or pepper nuts cookies). These traditional german cookies are tender, aromatic, rolled in powdered sugar, and taste exactly like winter wrapped into one perfect bite.

Even better? These pfeffernusse cookies come together with pantry staples and a handful of bold spices — and they make the whole house smell like the coziest Christmas market. Let’s bake!

Why You’ll Love Pfeffernüsse Cookies

These little Christmas cookies are:

• Soft and cakey in the center
• They use warm spices (your kitchen will smell incredible)
• Coated in powdered sugar for a snowy finish
• Make-ahead friendly — the flavor gets even better over time
• Perfect for gifting, cookie boxes, or holiday parties

If you’re planning a cookie platter, try pairing them with my Peppermint Chocolate Kiss Cookies or festive Gingerbread Truffles for a beautiful mix of colors and textures.

How to Make this yummy Pfeffernusse Recipe 

1. Cream the butter and sugar

Start by combining the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes. This is where the magic begins, and it always reminds me of baking holiday cookies with my mom, who insisted that “proper creaming is the secret to good cookies.”

2. Mix in the eggs

Add each large egg one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps keep the dough light and smooth.

3. Add the spices and flavorings

Next, add the allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, anise extract, molasses, and corn syrup to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is combined and your kitchen smells like December.

4. Add the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and baking soda.  Add half the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low.  Add water and the rest of the flour and mix until fully incorporated and the flour is absorbed.

5. Chill the dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour. This helps the flavors develop and makes the dough easier to roll.

6. Roll into balls

Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls — about ¾-inch in diameter. They’ll puff slightly as they bake.

7. Bake

Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center.

8. Coat in powdered sugar

While still warm, roll the baked cookies in powdered sugar. They’ll look like adorable little snowballs — a total holiday vibe.

How to Store Pfeffernüsse Cookies

One of my favorite things about Pfeffernüsse? They get even better as they sit. The spices deepen, the texture softens, and the whole cookie becomes this perfectly chewy, fragrant little snowball. So, here’s how to keep them at their best:

Room Temperature (Best Option!)

Store the cookies in a sealed airtight container at room temperature for up to 10–14 days.

• Add a small piece of bread or a slice of apple if you want to keep them extra soft — just replace it every couple of days.
• If they lose some of their powdered sugar coating, simply toss them in a fresh dusting before serving.

Make Ahead Tip

Pfeffernüsse actually taste better the next day once the spices settle in. Bake them a day or two ahead if you’re prepping for cookie boxes or holiday parties.

Freezing the Baked Cookies

Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

• Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze them without powdered sugar, then roll in fresh sugar after thawing.

Freezing the Dough

Roll the dough into balls first, then freeze on a sheet pan until solid. Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

• Bake straight from frozen — just add 1–2 extra minutes of bake time.

Additional Recipes to Try

These Pfeffernüsse pair beautifully with:

• Double Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies – soft and rich cookies topped with melting peppermint kisses.
• Chewy M&M Cookies – Indulge in the nostalgia with Chewy M&M Cookies, packed with colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips for a delightful treat.
• Gingerbread Truffles – featuring gingersnap cookies and cream cheese filling—a treat everyone will love.
• DIY Christmas Gingerbread Cookie Wreath – traditional gingerbread cookies cut into stars to make a stunning edible centerpiece

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