Peppernut Cookies with Icing (German Pfeffernüsse)

german-pfeffernusse One of Germany's most popular and beloved Christmas treats, these spiced and iced cookies are simply delightful. A thoroughly authentic and incredibly delicious Pfeffernüsse recipe. The name Pfeffernüsse means "pepper nuts." The pepper part refers to the white pepper that is added to the dough which gives these cookies a very unique and flavourful touch. The nuts part refers to their walnut-like shape. The Netherlands enjoy a similar cookie in the month of December. Known as Pepernoten, they are eaten in celebration of the arrival of Sinterklaas on December 5.

Cookies:
2¼ cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. sea salt
3-4 tsp. Lebkuchengewürz (preferrably homemade)
¼ tsp. white pepper, finely ground
¼ cup almond meal
½ cup brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup pure honey
5 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. heavy cream
1 large egg

Glaze:
2½ cups confectioners' sugar
3-4 Tbsp. hot water (less water will result in a thicker and whiter glaze)

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, Lebkuchengewuerz, white pepper and almond meal. Set aside.

Combine the brown sugar, honey, butter, and cream in a medium saucepan and heat, stirring frequently, until melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. Stir in the flour mixture. Once incorporated stir in the egg until thoroughly combined. The dough will have a nice glossy sheen. It will be very sticky and that's how it should be.

Turn the mixture out onto some plastic wrap and wrap the dough tightly. Refrigerate overnight or for up to two days.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

Remove the dough from the plastic wrap and immediately roll it into two strands, each ¾" thick. Slice the rolls into ¾" thick rounds and roll each round into a ball (each ball should be about ¾" large). Work quickly while the dough is still chilled. The size is just personal preference, you can make them larger if you prefer.

Place the cookie balls on a line cookie sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let the cookies cool completely.

Make the Glaze:
Combine the confectioners' sugar and water until smooth.

Dip each cookie in the glaze, letting the excess drip off, and place them on a wire rack positioned over a cookie sheet (to catch the drips) and let them sit until the glaze is fully hardened.

Store the cookies in airtight container in a cool place. Will keep for at least 2 weeks (they're usually stored longer) and the flavour only gets better over time.

Makes 50+ cookies depending on their size.