Peppernuts have been a Christmas tradition in Europe since the 1800s. In more recent history, my family has made these our own tradition. Peppernuts are a small cookie, mostly flavored with anise oil, but this tastes completely different than black licorice. The cookies are quickly whipped up, but take a little time to roll out and cut. These are so worth the wait and are my favorite with a cup of coffee (I always dip mine and savor each bite-size cookie).
Hopefully, you can make this your new family tradition this year and for many to come!
Watch how to make these peppernuts:
Peppernuts
These mini cookies are flavored with anise and molasses and are perfect for dipping in coffee. They’re a German staple that’s well worth the effort!
Servings: 16 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup lard, (or vegetable shortening)
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp real anise oil
- ½ cup sour milk, (1 tbsp vinegar with ½ cup milk)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 6 cups flour
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix the lard and molasses, 30 seconds. Add the sugar, egg, anise oil, sour milk, and mix well, 1 minute. Add baking soda and flour and mix until only a few streaks of flour remain, 1 minute.
- Shape into cylindrical rolls approximately ½-inch to ¾-inch in diameter. Chill overnight and cut into ¼-inch pieces.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on pan for 5 minutes. Using a spatula, scrape the peppernuts into an airtight container. Store for up to three months in the freezer.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.25 cupCalories: 113 kcal (6%)Carbohydrates: 19.2 g (6%)Protein: 1.4 g (3%)Fat: 3.5 g (5%)Saturated Fat: 1.3 g (8%)Trans Fat: 0 gCholesterol: 6.1 mg (2%)Sodium: 43.5 mg (2%)Fiber: 0.3 g (1%)Sugar: 10.3 g (11%)
My grandma made peppernut cookies every year at Christmas time. However, she rolled each one the size of a large pea. Then Grandma would fill baby food jars with them. She would decorate each jar with a circle of festive cloth and tie it with twine. Her friends and family felt very special receiving these gifts.
Can you substitute anise extract for the anise oil?
Where do you purchase your anise oil? Thanks you!! Merry Christmas!!
Thank you!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!! I have been looking for this recipe since my Grandmother passed away many years ago. I always helped her make them. The only difference is she also added anise seeds. They were my Dad’s and Grandpa’s favorite cookies. Now I can make some again!!!!!
Hi Kaleb:
I found your blog this year and I love it so much. Your are wonderful.
I ordered Anise oil and it will be here tomorrow. I am excited about making the Peppernuts recipe.
I do have one question, “Which do I need, plain flour or self-rising?”
Thank you Kaleb. I look forward to seeing you next year, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.