Pfeffernusse

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugar, molasses, and honey over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture just starts to bubble. Remove from the heat. Stir in the ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, anise extract, cloves, pepper, nutmeg, and salt. Transfer to a large bowl, and let cool for 20 minutes or until barely warm to the touch.

Step 2

Once cooled, whisk in the egg until well combined. Fold in the flour and baking soda until all of the flour is incorporated. Transfer the dough to a sheet of plastic wrap, cover and press into a 1-inch-thick square. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 3 days. (The dough gets more flavorful as it rests, so this is a great step to make ahead.)

Step 3

When ready to bake, position oven racks towards the center of the oven, and preheat the oven to 350F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 4

Unwrap the cookie dough and cut into ¾-inch wide strips. Cut again making ¾-inch-wide strips running perpendicular to the first set, creating cubes. Roll each cube of dough between your palms to create a ball. Place on the lined baking sheets 1 1/2 inches apart. If you can’t fit all of the dough on two sheets, rewrap and chill the remaining dough to roll and bake after the first batch.

Step 5

Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are firm to the touch and just starting to crack on top. Let cookies cool for a few minutes. Toss cooled cookies in confectioners’ sugar until well coated. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Toss again in confectioners’ sugar once cooled.