Pfeffernüsse
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Pfeffernüsse (also spelled pfefferneuse or pfeffernuesse in English, in Danish: pebernødder (plural) and pepernoten in Dutch) are small, hard, round biscuits. The name translates to pepper nuts in German, Danish and Dutch, describing their spicy taste as well as the fact that many recipes actually call for a small amount of black pepper to be used.
Pepernoten are originally a Dutch treat[citation needed], baked during 'Sinterklaas', a feast on 5 December (6 December in Belgium) on which little children receive gifts from the holy St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus. In Germany, Pfeffernüsse are traditionally made during the Christmas season.
Recipes often call for the dough to be rounded into a ball. Today they are often produced with a chocolate base.
Like most baked goods, there are many variations of pfeffernüsse. While most recipes call for cloves and cinnamon, some also use nutmeg or anise. A Danish recipe for pebernødder requires white pepper, while most international recipes call for black pepper. Some versions of pfeffernüsse contain pecans, ginger, or cardamom.
In South Germany, they are known as Eiweißgebäck. They are also known as "Pimpernüsse" in some places.
They are very popular at church concert receptions, especially around Christmas time.[citation needed]
German Pfeffernüsses are often confused with Russian tea cakes because they are a similar shape and are both generally covered in powdered sugar, but they are radically different internally.
