Pfeffernusse Cookies for 8

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1ml) ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon (1ml) ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon (1ml) ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120g) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120g) powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 10-12 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the milk.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Stir in the walnuts, if desired.
5. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and dust with powdered sugar.

Nutritional Information:

• Serving size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 130
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g

Dish Characteristics:

• Crispy exterior
• Soft and chewy interior
• Warm and spicy flavor
• Nutty crunch from chopped walnuts
• Festive German-themed treat

User Comments:

• "These cookies are so delicious and festive! I love the warm and spicy flavor."
• "The walnuts add a nice crunch and make these cookies extra special."
• "I love that these cookies are easy to make and always turn out perfect."
• "These are my all-time favorite Christmas cookies! They are so cozy and comforting."
• "I make these cookies every year for my German-American family. They are a hit!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
• If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk.
• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the cookies from baking evenly.
• Let the cookies cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.