This food holiday celebrates a small German spice cookie popular during the Christmas holiday season.

Made with molasses, ground nuts, and raisin paste combined with spices like cinnamon, pepper and anise covered in powdered sugar, the pfeffernusse is similar to gingerbread. The name translates as “pepper nuts.”

The creation of the pfeffernüsse cookie is attributed to Johann Fleischmann, a German confectionerwho developed the recipe in 1753.

The cookie's popularity surged during the Christmas season, particularly from the mid-19th century onward, and it became a staple at holiday gatherings.

Pfeffernusse Day is strategically scheduled just a couple of days before Christmas, making it an ideal time for families to bake and enjoy these traditional cookies.