Pfeffernüsse [Pfeffernüße]

German Christmas cookies with black pepper which enhances the spicy taste without adding heat. Pfeffernüsse is the German word for “peppernuts.”

Makes 25 – 30 cookies

1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

½ cup unsalted butter or margarine, softened

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon lemon extract

½ teaspoon anise extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

¾ teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, sifted

confectioners’ sugar

Place brown sugar and butter in large mixer bowl. Cream with mixer until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extracts.

Add remaining ingredients, except confectioners’ sugar, to sifted flour and sift again. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix well.

Cover and refrigerate 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Shape dough into ¾-1” balls and place 1” apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 minutes.

Remove from sheets and place on wire racks. Shake cookies gently in plastic bag containing confectioners’ sugar, covering thoroughly while cookies are still warm.

Store in airtight containers when completely cooled.