Pfeffernusse
Makes 3 dozen cookies

Fun to say (Feffer-nuuse) Pfeffernüsse cookies are a type of traditional German spice cookie that is one of our holiday baking staples.  The name "Pfeffernüsse" translates to "pepper nuts" in English, reflecting the spiced nature of these cookies. Despite the name, they usually do not contain nuts.

The cookies are typically small, round, and may have a slightly crunchy exterior with a softer interior. They are flavored with a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and sometimes black pepper, which gives them a warm and aromatic taste. Not too sweet, as most German baking, they are very delicious with afternoon tea or coffee, or with a liqueur for dessert. Recipes may vary, and families often have their own versions passed down through generations.  If you can't find all of the extracts, use a little more vanilla, or, try making your own by infusing rum or vodka with star anise!  

1 cup (8oz.) white sugar 
2/3 cup (5 oz butter), softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract 
½ tsp lemon extract 
½ tsp anise extract 

1 tsp ground cinnamon 
½ tsp baking powder 
½ tsp salt 
½ tsp black pepper 
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg 
1/8 tsp cloves 
1 ¾ cup (9oz.) all-purpose flour 

1. Cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla and extracts.  
2. Sift together spices and flour; stir in to creamed mixture until combined 
3. Drop by the tablespoonful onto parchment-lined baking sheets
4. Bake in 350°F oven until tops look dry, about 10 minutes