Pfeffernuesse

Name: Pfeffernuesse
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 cup molasses; 1/3 cup water; 6-2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup crushed aniseed; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; Confectioners' sugar

These mild spice cookies, perfect for dunking, come from an old family recipe. The dough sits overnight to let the spices blend. The extraordinary flavors make these a holiday classic. —Betty Hawkshaw, Alexandria, Virginia

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup molasses
1/3 cup water
6-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup crushed aniseed
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. In a bowl, combine corn syrup, molasses and water; set aside. Combine the flour, aniseed, baking soda and spices; add to creamed mixture alternately with molasses mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 11 minutes or until golden brown. Roll warm cookies in confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks.