Danish Peppernut Christmas Cookies, also known as “Pebernodder,” are a traditional Scandinavian holiday treat that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit with their warm, spiced flavor. These tiny, crunchy cookies are made with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper, which give them a unique and slightly peppery kick. Resembling little nuts, these bite-sized cookies are perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving alongside a cup of hot cocoa or gløgg (mulled wine) during the holiday season. Their crisp texture and aromatic spices make them a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter, bringing a taste of Danish holiday tradition to your celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, and salt.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a firm dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until manageable.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the ropes into small, pea-sized pieces, resembling little nuts. Place the pieces on the prepared baking sheets, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and firm to the touch. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking. The cookies should be crisp when done.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store the Danish Peppernut Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be enjoyed for several weeks.
Danish Peppernut Christmas Cookies are a delightful and aromatic holiday treat that brings warmth and joy to any festive gathering. Their crunchy texture and spiced flavor make them perfect for holiday snacking, adding a traditional Danish touch to your Christmas celebrations.
