Pfeffernusse are cookies traditionally served during the Christmas holidays in Germany, but these spiced, peppery cookies are popular year-round. These are best if you let them sit to ripen for about 2 weeks, so plan ahead.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup finely chopped almonds (optional)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
• In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in dry ingredients 1/2 cup at a time. Add almonds, if desired.
• Roll into one inch balls and arrange 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 11 to 14 minutes.
• Cool and store in airtight containers for 3 days to mellow flavors.