Pfeffernüesse

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (about 3 1/3 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 large egg white
• 1/4 cup ground hazelnuts
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients (through cloves), stirring well with a whisk.
3. Place butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 4 minutes). Add 2 tablespoons water and egg white to butter mixture; beat well. Add flour mixture and nuts; beat on low speed just until blended. Spoon batter evenly into 18 mounds (about 2 teaspoons each) 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until lightly browned and almost set. Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle cookies evenly with powdered sugar.