Reviewed: Oct. 1, 2011

I thought these were perfect to take to a German-themed luncheon tomorrow and I think they'll be a hit. I ended making two batches because I used a tablespoon to scoop out onto the baking sheet and ended up getting only 66 cookies, if I had used a 1/2 tablespoon it would've doubled the amount. Since I made two batches I ran out of butter and had to borrow some from my in-laws, which wasn't at room temperature. I made the mistake of nuking the butter to liquid status which made the second batch runnier than the first (which came out perfectly). It caused me to have to add tapioca flour and some brown rice flour to help stiffen it up to scoop out onto the baking sheet. They came out good, just not as spicy as the first batch. I also doubled the amount of spices, didn't use cardamom, instead ground cloves, I reduced the packed light brown sugar to 1/4 C. and used 3/4 C of brown rice syrup to help deepen the flavor, and I grated fresh ginger instead of ground. Everyone in my home likes them so far, including my dog Maddie! Will make again as these are similar to ginger snape.

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Reviewer:

Scarlinger29

Reviewed: Jun. 26, 2011

Yum. Saw something similar on TV and came here to find a recipe. Love the bit of spice in a cookie.

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Reviewer:

Reviewed: Jun. 12, 2011

Way easier than I would think. Mixing the dough was a snap, although it did get crumbly as others said, Makes a ball nicely. Try to keep them the size of an acorn. I went the traditional route and rolled the baked cookie in confectioners sugar. I didn't think it'd stick well but it did,

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Reviewer:

Karin V

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Daytona Beach, Florida, USA

Living In: Decatur, Texas, USA

Reviewed: May 10, 2011

I am a firm believer in trying the original recipe before making modifications, unless of course there is an obvious error in the ingredients. I followed the recipe exactly and really enjoyed the flavor of these cookies. I didn't add the almonds because I'm not a big fan of nuts in desserts. If you are not a fan of cardamom, you probably won't like these cookies. The cardamom flavor was definitely present, but not overpowering. Definitely follow the instructions and only add 1/2 cup of the flour mixture at a time. The last 1/2 cup to Cup of flour you will probably want to knead the dough by hand. Don't expect a very big cookie. They don't grow much bigger than the inch ball you originally rolled them into. My children and my husband really liked the cookies. It was a very easy recipe and one that I will be making again.

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Reviewer:

halfnotes

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Jun. 13, 2010

I love these cookies! This is my first time baking them and I loved them just as the recipe is. I just love the spiciness of dough and they are so easy to just pop into your mouth. I'll definitely keep these in my regular repertoire.

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Reviewer:

tstandr

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Murphys, California, USA

Living In: San Martin, California, USA

Reviewed: Feb. 21, 2009

My favorite of the Pfeffernusse recipes... it tastes like the ones my grandmother makes. I did both a normal batch, and following another reviewer's suggestion, a batch with double the spices (except pepper). I like it better with the stronger spices and flavors.

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Reviewer:

scanime

Cooking Level: Expert

Reviewed: Mar. 1, 2008

These cookies are fabulous! Not a sweet treat, but a wonderful spicy cookie. My husband loves Pfeffernusse, and I had never made them. He raved about them. Warn the readers that the dough is dry and crumbly. I was afraid I had put too much flour in, and made a second batch! But they came out great. Took the second dough and froze it to bake them off for when my adult kids come for a visit.

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Reviewer:

DEBBYDOODLEBUG

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: New Middletown, Ohio, USA

Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Reviewed: Dec. 30, 2007

I was looking for a recipe that had a different unique taste to it. These sounded good so I made them according to the recipe, adding in the optional almonds. (I toasted them first in the oven before I added them and it made a wonderful difference) ~ This recipe was GREAT. I didn't want to give any of them away! If you like exotic different flavors with a little pinch of spice, you will love these. AWESOME!

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Reviewer:

NIKKI99

Reviewed: Nov. 21, 2007

Nice crunchy cookie, great for the holidays. I did double the spices (except the pepper) and was still wishing for more spiced flavor, so I'd probably triple them next time. I also cut the sugar down to 1 c. and it was still just the right amount of sweetness.

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Reviewer:

kirstinvgr

Reviewed: Dec. 10, 2006

I loved these! I ran out of cardamom, so I used some nutmeg and cloves in place. I also added vanilla and about 1 tablespoon of honey. These are great with black coffee! I later thought adding in orange or lemon zest would be a lovely variation. Thanks for the recipe!

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