Grandma Anna’s Italian Pepper Cookies: A Spicy-Sweet Holiday Tradition
Grandma Anna's Italian Pepper Cookies are a nostalgic, spicy-sweet holiday treat perfect for Christmas. These old-school cookies combine cocoa, black pepper, and warm spices for a unique flavor.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper yes, really!
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
For the glaze:
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons multi-colored sprinkles optional, but festive!
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, black pepper, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves. This is where the magic begins—the spices create that signature warmth and depth of flavor.
- Melt the Shortening: Pop the shortening in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals until melted. Add it to the dry ingredients and mix everything together with a spoon.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough comes together. Then, fold in the raisins and walnuts. At this point, you’ll want to use your hands to make sure everything is evenly combined.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about ½ inch between each cookie. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Cool and Glaze: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they cool, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, orange juice, and zest to make the glaze. Brush or spoon the glaze over the cookies and add sprinkles if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- These cookies are ideal for holiday gifting or festive gatherings.
- The optional multi-colored sprinkles add a festive touch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.