German Pfeffernüsse Spice Biscuits Recipe

German Pfeffernüsse Spice Biscuits Recipe

Pfeffernüsse spice biscuits have a warm blend of spices that are perfect for Christmas.
These traditional German biscuits are lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup for a deep, rounded flavour.

Makes 30 cookies.

Ingredients

• For the biscuits
• 
  140g Pure Maple Syrup, Dark Robust
  
• 80g muscovado sugar
• 65g unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg
• 350g plain flour
• For the glaze
• 180g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
• 3 1/2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, 160C fan, Gas Mark 4.
   Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Gently heat the butter and muscovado sugar in a large saucepan, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
   Stir in the maple syrup and spices, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. When the mixture is just warm to the touch, whisk in the milk, baking soda and egg.
   Add the flour and salt and mix to form a dough.
   Refrigerate for 1 hour.
   Roll the dough into small balls, about 3cm in diameter, and space well on the baking trays.
   Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until well browned on the bottom, rotating the trays halfway through.
   Cool on a wire rack.
4. Mix the icing sugar with the water until smooth and thick.
   Dip each biscuit into the glaze and place back on the rack to dry.
   Once set, dust with icing sugar if desired.