German Spiced Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (60g) molasses 1/4 cup (60g) molasses
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 70 kcal / 293 KJ
• Fat: 2g (0.9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (7g sugars)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. 2.
   Add the molasses, honey, and egg to the butter mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, baking soda, and salt.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
5. 5.
   Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Remove the dough from the refrigerator and shape it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
8. 8.
   Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. 9.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly firm to the touch.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. 11.
    Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
12. 12.
    Enjoy these German Spiced Cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Molasses — If you prefer a stronger molasses flavor, you can use dark molasses instead of regular molasses.
• Black pepper — Freshly ground black pepper will provide the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra festive touch, you can add a pinch of ground cardamom to the dough.
• If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
• These cookies taste even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve these German Spiced Cookies as a delightful treat during afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to a holiday meal. They also make wonderful homemade gifts during the festive season.

Presentation advice

Arrange the German Spiced Cookies on a festive platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant and inviting presentation. You can also place them in decorative cookie tins or jars for gifting.