Pfeffernuesse IV recipe

5 servings

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1 dash ground black pepper

3/4 cup molasses

1/2 cup butter

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine molasses and butter.

Heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted.

Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

When the mixture has cooled, beat in the eggs.

Blend the molasses mixture into the dry ingredients until evenly mixed.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease cookie sheets.

Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart onto the cookie sheets.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm.

While cookies are still warm, toss them in a bag with confectioners' sugar and toss to coat.

When cool, toss with sugar again.