Pfeffernusse

 by Charlotte

1/3 c molasses

1/3 c butter

1 egg, beaten

1 ¾ c flour

1/3 c sugar

½ baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

¼ tsp each cloves, nutmeg and black pepper

In a saucepan, heat molasses and butter, stir until the butter melts. Let cool. Stir in the beaten egg. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, soda and spices; add gradually to the molasses mixture, using hands if required to blend thoroughly. Shape into 1” balls. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 deg F for 10-12 minutes.

While still warm, roll the cookies in sugar (granulated or icing). Makes about 30 cookies. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for making a large number of cookies. (This has been my go to cookie for Christmas cookie exchanges.)