:: Day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas Goodies 2010 ::
Peppernuts are a staple around the holidays on my dad’s side of the family.  You can grab a handful of these tiny little cookies and happily munch away while opening presents or playing board games.  These cookies really bring back happy memories of Christmas at my Grandpa & Grandma’s house, running around and playing games with my numerous cousins.  That makes these cookies just that much more special!

Peppernuts

Just like Honey Cookies, these cookies tend to get tastier as they sit around for a little while.  The recipe makes plenty to share with family and friends.  Peppernuts also make great gifts for teachers, babysitters, and coworkers!

On to the recipe… Start by gathering around your ingredients.  This makes A LOT of cookies, so don’t be alarmed at the amounts!  Despite the name, these cookies contain no pepper.  I’ve heard of recipes which contain a pinch or even up to a half-teaspoon of pepper, but I prefer to stick to the family favorite!

The Lineup

First you’ll mix together the butter, shortening, sugars, and spices.

Mix It Up

Once that’s all mixed together, beat in the egg and anise extract.

Add the Egg

Next, it’s time to mix in the flour and water.  Start by adding some flour, and once that’s mixed in, add a little water.

Floury

Alternate adding flour and water a little bit at a time, mixing well between additions.  Once all of the flour and water is incorporated, it will be a pretty stiff dough.

Dough

The dough will need to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before it’s ready to work with.  Give it at least 3 hours or even overnight.

Ready to Chill

After the dough has chilled, it will be much easier to work with.  Roll the dough into long skinny ropes.  Use a butter knife to cut the dough into tiny chunks.  I’ve found it really helps to have people helping you with this!  Since there is so much dough, it takes quite awhile to make all of the ropes and cut the tiny cookies.  I also line up two or three ropes at a time so I can cut more cookies at once.  Keep the dough cool while you are doing this, making the ropes as you go.

Making Cookies

Place the cookies about 1/2″ to 1″ apart on a greased baking sheet.  They don’t need to be in perfect rows by any means.  It doesn’t really matter if a few are really close together or even touching.

Ready to Bake

After they are done baking, the cookies will have puffed up a bit and some might be a little golden brown around the edges.  And if a few baked together, it’s okay.  They will break apart when they cool.  And if they don’t, it’s fun to try to imagine what shape they form!

Baked

Remove them from the pan as soon as they come out of the oven, and let them cool on wire racks.  This helps them stay nice and crunchy!

Peppernuts

When they are all cooled, store them in airtight containers.  Peppernuts are great to give as gifts in fun glass jars.  And as you will find out, this recipe makes plenty to share!

Peppernuts
An old family recipe, shared by my Grandma Erma

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon anise extract
5 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup warm water

Cream together shortening, butter, sugars, and spices.  Mix together baking powder and flour.  Alternately add flour and water to dough.  Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 3 hours.  Roll into thin ropes and cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces.  Place on greased or foil-lined baking sheets.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 12 to 15 minutes.  Remove from baking sheet immediately to cool.  Store in airtight containers at room temperature.

Makes ~60 dozen bite-sized cookies.