Pfeffernuesse

Today we saw our first snowfall; some cried, some laughed, and everyone knows winter is coming soon.  The perfect time to bake something spicy and delicious ( as if I need an excuse to bake!).  These cookies remind me of Christmas and it is never too soon to start baking Christmas cookies.

This is a German recipe, using pepper as one of its spices, hence the name which means pepper nuts.  My grandson loves them and he usually is the first to say "too spicy".

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (icing sugar)
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.  Place confectioners' sugar in a small bowl.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, pepper, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda.  Set aside.

Place butter, brown sugar, and molasses into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.  Beat on medium speed until fluffy, about three minutes.  Beat in egg and vanilla.  With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture, beat until just combined.  Pinch off dough in tablespoon amounts, roll into 1 1/4 inch balls.  Arrange balls 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake until cookies are golden and firm to the touch with slight cracking, about 15 minutes.  Transfer sheets to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.  Place cookies into bowl with icing sugar turning until well coated.  Let cool completely on wire rack.  Store in airtight container.