Pfeffernüsse Cookies

Pfeffernüsse are small, round, spice-forward cookies that originated in Germany and are popular across Northern Europe, especially during the Christmas season. They are typically made with flour, sugar, honey or molasses, butter, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and notably black pepper, often coated in a simple glaze or powdered sugar.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

These are energy-dense, carbohydrate-rich treats with moderate fat from butter and minimal protein, providing a quick source of energy. A single cookie (about 20-25g) typically contains around 80-100 calories, along with small amounts of iron and antioxidants from the spices.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g
Sodium	120 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Calcium	30 mg
Potassium	80 mg
Magnesium	15 mg
Phosphorus	40 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.1 mg
Folate	20 µg
Manganese	0.3 mg

Per 3 cookies (45 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The name literally translates to 'pepper nuts' in German, referring to the traditional inclusion of black pepper, which adds a subtle, warming heat that distinguishes them from other spiced holiday cookies. Nutritionally, the spices like cinnamon and cloves offer trace minerals and antioxidants, making them a slightly more complex treat than plain sugar cookies.