Ingredients with Measurements:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
• 1/2 cup finely chopped candied citron
• 1/2 cup finely chopped candied lemon peel
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Special Equipment Needed:
• 2 baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Sifter
• Small bowl
• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Spatula
• Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the honey and eggs until well blended.
4. Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just blended. Fold in the almonds, candied orange peel, candied citron, and candied lemon peel.
5. Drop teaspoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Place confectioners' sugar in a small bowl. Roll cooled cookies in the sugar to coat.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: Makes about 4 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 120
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sodium: 30 mg
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 9 g
Protein: 2 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
• For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
• For the butter, you can substitute coconut oil or vegan butter.
• For the honey, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar.
• For the almonds, you can substitute walnuts or pecans.
• For the candied orange peel, you can substitute dried cranberries or raisins.
• For the candied citron, you can substitute dried apricots or dates.
• For the candied lemon peel, you can substitute dried pineapple or mango.
Variations:
• For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients.
• For a sweeter version, add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the wet ingredients.
• For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and replace with 1/2 cup of oats.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
Tips and Tricks:
• Make sure to use softened butter, not melted butter, for best results.
• For a more uniform shape, roll the dough into balls before baking.
• For a crunchier cookie, bake for an extra 2 minutes.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
• Serve on a platter with a variety of other cookies.
• Place in a decorative tin or jar for gift-giving.
• Place on a cake stand for a festive display.
Garnishes:
• Sprinkle with additional confectioners' sugar.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate.
• Top with chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Pairings:
• Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea.
• Enjoy with a glass of mulled wine or spiced cider.
Suggested Side Dishes:
• Serve with a bowl of fresh fruit.
• Enjoy with a side of yogurt or ice cream.
Troubleshooting Advice:
• If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough.
• If the cookies are too crumbly, add an extra egg to the dough.
Food Safety Advice:
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Do not leave out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
• Discard any leftovers after 1 week.
Food History:
Fasnachts Pfeffernüsse is a traditional German cookie that is traditionally served during the Fasnacht season. It is a spiced cookie that is rolled in confectioners' sugar and is usually made with a combination of nuts and dried fruits.
Flavor Profiles:
This cookie has a sweet and spicy flavor with notes of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper.
Serving Suggestions:
• Serve as an after-dinner treat.
• Enjoy as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Pack in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
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Region: German