Danish Peppernuts, or pebernødder, are tiny, spiced cookies that are a staple during Christmas in Denmark. These crispy, bite-sized delights pack a festive punch with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. But we’re taking it up a notch with a little twist—zaza-infused butter—to make these traditional treats both festive and fun.
Perfect for sharing during the holiday season (or keeping for yourself!), this recipe combines the nostalgia of Danish Christmas traditions with a touch of modern creativity. Let’s dive in and get baking!
What Are Danish Peppernuts?
Despite the name, peppernuts are not nuts at all but tiny spiced cookies. These crunchy morsels are a Christmas favorite in Denmark, often enjoyed alongside coffee, gløgg (mulled wine), or as part of holiday games where players compete to catch them with their mouths.
In this recipe, we’re adding a green twist with zaza-butter, giving these cookies a unique edge while keeping the traditional flavors intact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Zaza-Butter:
• 1–2g zaza (your herb of choice)
• 100g butter
For the Peppernut Dough:
• 250g all-purpose flour
• 125g sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Spices:
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp ground white pepper
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 125g butter (including 1–2 tbsp zaza-butter)
• 1 large egg
• 1–2 tsp milk or water (if needed)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Make the Zaza-Butter
The first step is to prepare the zaza-butter, which will infuse the peppernuts with a subtle, festive vibe. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Decarb the Zaza:
• Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
• Spread 1–2g zaza evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 30–40 minutes until the herb becomes slightly golden and aromatic. This step activates the zaza’s properties.
2️⃣ Infuse the Butter:
• Melt 100g butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
• Add the decarbed zaza to the melted butter and let it simmer on the lowest heat setting for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Strain the butter through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the plant material. Let it cool and solidify.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once your zaza-butter is ready, it’s time to whip up the peppernut dough. These cookies are all about their warm spice blend, so feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking.
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
• 250g flour
• 125g sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• All the spices: ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, white pepper, and cloves.
2. Add 125g butter (including 1–2 tbsp of your zaza-butter). Use your hands or a fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add 1 egg and knead the mixture into a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together.
Step 3: Roll & Shape the Peppernuts
The fun part of this recipe is rolling and shaping the dough into the signature peppernut size.
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a hazelnut. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and stay crispy.
3. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between them as they’ll expand slightly during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Peppernuts
Baking these cookies to perfection is key to getting their signature crunch and golden color.
Instructions:
1. Place the tray of peppernuts into the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become too hard.
3. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Danish Peppernuts are perfect for:
• Holiday Snacking: Serve them alongside coffee, tea, or gløgg (mulled wine) for a cozy treat.
• Gifting: Pack them in festive tins or jars for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.
• Game Night: Use them for traditional Danish games like “peppernut catching,” where players try to catch cookies tossed in the air with their mouths.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. A Danish Tradition with a Twist: Combining classic Christmas flavors with a modern zaza infusion makes these cookies extra special.
2. Bite-Sized Fun: The small size of peppernuts makes them perfect for sharing or snacking.
3. Customizable Spice Levels: Adjust the spices to suit your taste—whether you want them extra bold or more subtle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Danish Peppernuts made of?
Peppernuts are made from flour, sugar, butter, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Despite the name, they don’t contain nuts.
How long do peppernuts stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, peppernuts can stay fresh and crispy for up to 2–3 weeks, making them perfect for holiday baking ahead of time.
Can I skip the zaza-butter?
Absolutely! If you prefer a traditional recipe, you can use regular butter instead of zaza-butter.
How strong is the zaza-butter in this recipe?
The strength depends on the potency of the herb and how much zaza-butter you use. Start with 1–2 tablespoons for subtle infusion and adjust based on your preferences.
These Zaza-Infused Danish Peppernuts are the perfect blend of traditional Christmas baking and modern creativity. Packed with warm, festive spices and enhanced with zaza-butter, they’re a unique twist on a classic treat. Whether you’re making them for holiday gatherings, gifting them to loved ones, or indulging in them yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these tiny, festive delights! 🎄
Share the Love: Snap a pic of your peppernut masterpiece and tag us with #SenseMunchies for a chance to be featured. Happy cooking, and enjoy every comforting bite! 🍁🥣
🎥 For a step-by-step demonstration, check out our Instagram video here featuring our chefs in action!