#27. Pfeffernüsse

A traditional German cookie made with all kinds of ground spices, including black pepper and crushed aniseed. Pfeffernüsse means 'peppered nuts', named for it's round shape, this one is nut free, which is kind of rare for a European cookie, since most of them contain nuts. Super easy, just mix, roll in to balls, bake, and shake them in to a brown bag with powdered sugar in it. Done. They have a crisp outer shell, and a moist and soft center.

In a medium bowl put all the dry ingredients and spices:

2 1/4C all purpose flour
1/2t crushed aniseed
1/2t ground nutmeg
1/2t ground cinnamon
1/2t salt
1/4t baking soda
1/4t ground allspice
1/4t ground cloves
1/4t ground fresh black pepper
stir well until combined.

In a large mixing bowl with a mixer, cream:
1 stick unsalted butter with
3/4C dark brown sugar with
1/4C unsulphured molasses.
1 egg, mix. Add the dry ingredients
Cream until smooth, then add your dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

Roll 3/4" balls, and put them on to parchment paper. They don't really spread too much. Bake for 10 minutes, don't over bake in a 350F oven. Get a brown paper bag ready filled with 2C powdered sugar, put the cookies in the bag 5 at a time and shake it. Repeat until done. Eat!