{{short description|German cookie}} {{Infobox food | name = Pfeffernüsse | name_lang = de | name_italics = true | image = Au pfeffernuesse 01.jpg | image_size = | caption = Pfeffernüsse, by Aldi | alternate_name = Peppernuts | place_of_origin = Denmark, Germany, Netherlands | region = | creator = | course = | type = Cookie | served = | main_ingredient = cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, mace, anise, sugar, butter, eggs, flour | variations = | calories = | other = }}
'''Pfeffernüsse''' are small spice cookies, popular as a holiday treat with Germans and ethnic Mennonites in North America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/2014/11/pfeffernuesse-peppernuts.html|title=Pfeffernuesse (Peppernuts) |website=Mennonitegirlscancook.ca |access-date=15 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kansas.mccsale.org/?page_id=58|title=Food|date=12 February 2014|website=Kansas.mccsale.org|access-date=15 December 2017}}</ref> Similar cookies are made in Denmark, and The Netherlands, as well. They are called {{Lang|de|Pfeffernüsse}} (plural, singular is {{Lang|de|Pfeffernuss}}) in German, ''<span lang="nl">pepernoten</span>'' (sing. <span lang="nl">''pepernoot''</span>) in Dutch, ''<span lang="pdt" dir="ltr">päpanät</span>'' in Plautdietsch, pfeffernusse or peppernuts in English, and <span lang="da" dir="ltr">''pebernødder''</span> in Danish.
==History== Johann Fleischmann, a confectioner from Offenbach am Main, created the recipe in 1753.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spillner |first1=Michelle |title=Leckeres Vermächtnis (Delicious legacy) |url=https://www.fnp.de/hessen/leckeres-vermaechtnis-10881312.html |access-date=21 December 2020 |work=Frankfurter Neue Presse |date=24 December 2015 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pfeffernüsse Package Label |url=https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/462680_288700081243240_465239052_o.jpg |access-date=21 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231013536/https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/462680_288700081243240_465239052_o.jpg |archive-date=2015-12-31}}</ref> Goethe praised the pastries.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Goethe |first1=Johann Wolfgang von |author1-link=Johann Wolfgang von Goethe |title=Sämtliche Werke (Complete Works) |date=1832 |publisher=G. Müller |page=4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b-82AAAAMAAJ&q=%22Offenbacher+Pfeffern%C3%BCsse%22&pg=PA4 |access-date=21 December 2020 |language=de}}</ref><ref name="BUKECHI" /> Felix Mendelssohn went to Offenbach am Main especially to buy them.<ref name="FrankfurterRundschau"/><ref>"Ich kann das Düsseldorfer Musikfest nicht dirigieren, weil ich mich ausruhen und nach Soden ziehen muss, fahre mit Frau Bernus nach Offenbach, um Pfeffernüsse zu kaufen." ("I can't conduct the Düsseldorf Music Festival because I have to rest and move to Soden, I'm going to Offenbach with Ms. Bernus to buy Pfeffernüsse.")</ref><ref name="BUKECHI" >{{cite web |title=Offenbacher Pfeffernüsse – A forgotten treat |url=https://bukechi.com/offenbacher-pfeffernuesse/ |website=BUKECHI |date=12 November 2020 |language=de-DE}}</ref> The state of Hesse has served it at state receptions.<ref name="FrankfurterRundschau">{{cite web |last1=Reckmann |first1=Madeleine |title=Bekannt wie Nürnberger Elisen |url=https://www.fr.de/rhein-main/offenbach/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe-per36060/bekannt-nuernberger-elisen-11198734.html |website=Frankfurter Rundschau |access-date=21 December 2020 |language=de |date=20 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Offenbacher Pfeffernüsse neu entdeckt |url=https://www.offenbach.de/kultur-und-tourismus/geschenke_und_souvenirs_/offenbacher-pfeffernuesse.php |website=Stadtverwaltung Offenbach |language=de}}</ref>
<blockquote>In 1820, the Brothers Grimm warned their sister Charlotte (de) against excessive consumption: "Don't eat too much of the pepper nuts, they are said to cause a lot of heat!" At that time, nutmeg was considered an aphrodisiac, and cardamom as invigorating as caffeine.<ref name="FrankfurterRundschau"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Christian |last=Jansen |author-link=:de:Christian Jansen |title=Rezension von Ewald Grothe (Hrsg.), Briefwechsel mit Ludwig Hassenpflug |url=http://hsozkult.geschichte.hu-berlin.de/REZENSIO/buecher/2002/JaCh1201.htm |website=hsozkult.geschichte.hu-berlin.de |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Forschungsstelle Humboldt-Universität Berlin |url=http://www.grimmbriefwechsel.de/arbeitsstelle/1_einf_bv/1_einf_bv.html |access-date=21 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119081040/http://www.grimmbriefwechsel.de/arbeitsstelle/1_einf_bv/1_einf_bv.html |archive-date=2007-11-19 |language=de}}</ref></blockquote>
In Germany, {{lang|de|Pfeffernüsse}} are associated with Christmas. The cookie has been part of yuletide celebrations since the 1850s.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Pfeffernüsse Day - December 23|website=National Today.com|date=3 November 2021 |url=https://nationaltoday.com/national-pfeffernusse-day/|access-date=19 January 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=24 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224011746/https://nationaltoday.com/national-pfeffernusse-day/}}</ref>
The name literally means 'peppernuts', and does not mean it contains nuts. The cookies are roughly the size of nuts and can be eaten by the handful, which may account for the name.<ref>{{cite web |first=Carolyn |last=Blackstock |title=Day 271 Pepper Nuts |url=https://366dayswiththeberlincookbook.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/day-271-pepper-nuts/ |website=366dayswiththeberlincookbook.wordpress.com|access-date=3 January 2016|date=2012-09-26}}</ref><ref name="BerlinCANCookBook1906">{{cite book |first1=H. |last1=Rathman |first2=A. |last2=Graber |editor=The Ladies of Berlin, Waterloo and Friends Elsewhere |title=The Berlin Cook Book |date=1906 |publisher=The News Record Print Shop |location=Berlin, Canada |chapter=Pepper Nuts |chapter-url=https://www.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.9_92334/226?r=0&s=1 |page=225 |via=Canadiana.ca, Canadian Research Knowledge Network}}</ref> They are named for the pinch of pepper added to the dough before baking.<ref name="marthastewart">{{cite web |title=German Spice Cookies (Pfeffernusse) Recipe |url=https://www.marthastewart.com/318226/pfeffernussen |first=Martha |last=Stewart |author-link=Martha Stewart |access-date=21 December 2020 |language=en-us}}</ref>
==Ingredients== Though {{lang|de|Pfeffernüsse}} cookie recipes differ, all contain aromatic spices – most commonly cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, mace, and anise.<ref name="allrecipes155182">{{cite web |title=Pfeffernusse Cookies |url=https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/155182/pfeffernusse-cookies/ |website=Allrecipes |access-date=21 December 2020 |language=EN}}</ref> Molasses,<ref>{{cite web |title=Spicy Pfeffernusse Cookies Are the Perfect Addition to Your Holiday Cookie Plate |url=https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pfeffernusse_spice_cookies/ |website=Simply Recipes |access-date=1 January 2026 |language=en}}</ref> sugar, and honey are used to sweeten the cookies. Some variations are dusted with powdered sugar, though that is not a traditional ingredient.<ref>[http://www.vnews.com/lifetimes/3015412-95/sugar-pfeffernusse-cup-teaspoon Caruso, Aimee. “Pfeffernusse: Spicy Holiday Cookies.”] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222110331/http://www.vnews.com/lifetimes/3015412-95/sugar-pfeffernusse-cup-teaspoon |date=2015-12-22 }} Retrieved 21 July 2013</ref> The dough is butter, shortening, or margarine, eggs, and flour.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Segarra |first1=Jessica |title=Pfeffernusse Cookies |url=https://www.imperialsugar.com/recipes/pfeffernusse-cookies |website=Imperial Sugar |access-date=21 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209175333/https://www.imperialsugar.com/recipes/pfeffernusse-cookies |archive-date=2020-12-09 |language=en |date=5 December 2018 |quote=They are similar to American gingerbread cookies, but are filled with extra spices and tossed in powdered sugar.}}</ref>
== German varieties == *In northern Germany, {{lang|de|Pfeffernüsse}} are a hemispherical pastry up to two centimetres in diameter and of firm consistency.{{cn|date=May 2024}} <!-- Query same as kruidnoten or different? --> *The northern ''<span lang="de">Moppen</span>'' variant are larger<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gaspari|first=Adam Christian|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3W86AQAAIAAJ&pg=PA720|title=Vollständiges handbuch der neuesten erdbeschreibung|year=1820|pages=720|language=de|quote=die großen Pfeffernüsse Moppen oder Moffen heißen}}</ref> and softer, based on a gingerbread-like dough, and have an icing glaze. *In southern Germany, the dough is made with candied lemon peel or orange peel, orange zest, lemon zest, and often also almonds.<ref name="chowhound29086">{{cite web |title=Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe |url=https://www.chowhound.com/recipes/pfeffernusse-german-spice-cookies-29086 |website=Chowhound |date=23 September 2021 |language=en |quote=Adapted from "Great Cookies: Secrets to Sensational Sweets" by Carole Walter |access-date=21 December 2020 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125015912/https://www.chowhound.com/recipes/pfeffernusse-german-spice-cookies-29086 |url-status=dead }}</ref> <!--might need a better source than a recipe--> *In Saxony, they are about three centimetres, uncoated and angular.{{cn|date=May 2024}} *There are some recipes passed down by families of German Mennonite origin that call for peppermint extract rather than the traditional spices, making for a light minty flavor. These cookies are cooked to be soft and coated in powdered sugar. Specific origin of this variation is unknown.{{cn|date=May 2024}}
== Dutch variation == The Netherlands gives the name {{lang|nl|kruidnoten}} to the small, brown, round cookies,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Difference between Pepernoten (Peppernuts) and Kruidnoten (Spice Nuts)|url=https://cakieshq.com/difference-between-pepernoten-peppernuts-and-kruidnoten-spice-nuts/|website=Cakies by Rachel|date=2 December 2016}}</ref> while {{lang|nl|pepernoten}} concerns a chewy snack that is lighter in color and has a chunky, angular appearance.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kleijn|first=Alexandra|date=2010|title=Zähe Nikolauskost: Pepernoten und Taaitaai|url=https://www.buurtaal.de/blog/rezept-taaitaai-und-oudhollandse-pepernoten|website=Burr Taal|language=de}} Klein describes old Dutch <i lang="nl">pepernoten</i> as tougher than German <i lang="de">pfeffernüsse</i>, but contrasts them with crisp <i lang="nl">kruidnoten</i>.</ref> Even though they are perceivably different, some Dutch residents mistakenly call {{lang|nl|kruidnoten}} {{lang|nl|pepernoten}} and online stores list them under this category as well.{{cn|date=December 2023}}
Both are holiday-exclusive snacks and available in any store that sells food around Sinterklaas time. {{lang|nl|Pepernoten}} are one of the earliest Sinterklaas candies, yet have become relatively rare, as most children do not prefer them.{{cn|date=December 2023}}
Meanwhile, the {{lang|nl|kruidnoten}} recipe has become the subject of experimentation and been heavily expanded on throughout the years. Besides the regular variant and packages that include gummies and sugar candies, {{lang|nl|kruidnoten}} can be covered with a layer of (white/milk/pure/truffle) chocolate – which is one of the earliest and most loved variants – but also strawberry, caramel, stroopwafel, coconut, coffee, bubblegum, cake (any), etc.{{cn|date=December 2023}}
== US variation ==
thumb|The US (Midwestern) variation of peppernuts
In the US midwest and plains states, families with German or Scandinavian roots make a treat they call peppernuts which is smaller, harder, and lacks eggs as an ingredient.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Peppernuts (Pfeffernusse Cookies)|url=https://bakerbettie.com/holiday-party-made-easy-part-1-pepper-nuts/|website=Baker Bettie|date=1 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Peppernuts|url=https://bakerbettie.com/holiday-party-made-easy-part-1-pepper-nuts/|website=Wyse Guide|date=5 July 2024}}</ref> As with other varieties, these peppernuts are typically holiday treats and feature anise and other spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, etc.
==See also== {{Commons category|Pfeffernüsse}} *Muskazine *Lebkuchen *Aachener Printen *Stollen *Speculaas *Baumkuchen *Springerle *Vanillekipferl *Bethmännchen *:de:Heidesand *:de:Zimtstern *:de:Berliner Brot *Kruidnoten (Dutch) *Pepernoot (Dutch) *Macaroon (de)
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{cite web |title=Offenbacher Pfeffernüsse - Rezept |url=https://kuchenbaecker.com/offenbacher-pfeffernuesse/ |website=Der Kuchenbäcker <!-- |access-date=21 December 2020 |language=de-DE |date=6 December 2018 -->|date=6 December 2018 }} * {{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Catherine |title=Cooks' Exchange: The secret Emmett Schuchardt's St. James Catholic Church pfeffernusse cookie recipe |url=https://madison.com/entertainment/dining/cooks-exchange-the-secret-st-james-pfeffernusse-cookie-recipe/article_a63068f3-56d4-5e27-abd6-c9d158a79139.html |website=Wisconsin State Journal |date=30 December 2013 |publisher=Capital Newspapers Inc |language=en}} * {{cite web |author1=The Canadian Living Test Kitchen |title=Pfeffernusse |url=http://www.canadianliving.com/food/pfeffernusse.php |website=Canadian Living |date=December 2007 |quote=Very popular in many European countries, these lovely little cookies have black pepper, which enhances the other spices in the cookie without adding heat.}} * {{cite news |title=Electric Kitchen: Pfeffernusse Cookies (German Pepper Nut cookies) |url=https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/recipes/find-a-recipe/pfeffernusse-cookies-(german-pepper-nut-cookies) |work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser |publisher=Hawaiian Electric Industries <!-- |access-date=21 December 2020 |date=December 13, 2017 |language=en -->}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pfeffernusse}} Category:Biscuits Category:Christmas food Category:Christmas in Germany Category:Danish cuisine Category:German cuisine Category:German desserts Category:Plautdietsch language Category:Anise Category:Cookies Category:Mennonite cuisine