Pfeffernüsse

Pfeffernüsse, often spelled pfeffernusse in the US, are small, soft German spice cookies with a sweet glaze or a chocolate coating. Their name means pepper nuts and points to the warming spice blend that gives them their flavor. We carry Pfeffernüsse from Wicklein, Weiss and Lambertz, the brands German families reach for every Advent.

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What are Pfeffernüsse?

Pfeffernüsse are bite-sized cousins of Lebkuchen. The dough is sweetened with honey or sugar and flavored with spices like cinnamon, cloves, anise and a hint of pepper, then baked into small domes. Most are finished with a white sugar glaze; others are dipped in dark or milk chocolate.

German Pfeffernüsse vs. American pfeffernusse

Many American pfeffernusse are hard, powdered-sugar cookies. German Pfeffernüsse are usually soft and cakey inside with a thin, crisp glaze, closer to gingerbread than to a shortbread cookie. If you grew up with the German kind, these are the ones you remember.

More German Christmas cookies

Pfeffernüsse are one part of the traditional holiday cookie plate. Add Spekulatius, Dominosteine and Zimtsterne from our German Christmas cookies, or give them in one of our Christmas gift tins. Find everything for the season in our German Christmas shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you spell Pfeffernüsse?
The German spelling is Pfeffernüsse, with an umlaut on the u. In English it is often written pfeffernusse or pfeffernuesse. All three refer to the same small German spice cookie.
What do Pfeffernüsse taste like?
They taste like mild gingerbread: honey-sweet with warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves and anise, plus a little pepper that gives them their name. The glaze or chocolate coating adds sweetness and a light crunch.
Are Pfeffernüsse soft or hard?
German Pfeffernüsse are traditionally soft inside with a thin glaze. Freshly opened packs are at their best; keep them sealed so they stay soft.
Are Pfeffernüsse the same as Lebkuchen?
They are closely related. Both are German spiced honey cakes, but Pfeffernüsse are small, round and usually glazed, while Lebkuchen come as larger cookies, hearts or Elisenlebkuchen on a wafer base.

Ingredients & nutritional facts

Information about ingredients and nutritional values are displayed here to reflect our current products. We recommend you to compare this information with the information on the packaging of the orders that you receive. Any variations will be due to potential transition periods, as a result of new information by the manufacturers.