Just Right Peppernuts

When I met my husband, he couldn't believe that I had never heard of peppernuts. Peppernuts are a big Christmas tradition in his family. They didn't sound very appetizing to me, so I didn't understand what all the fuss was about. Turns out, they are neither peppery nor nutty. The are just a miniature spice cookie. I guess "pepper" is for the spice and "nuts" is because they are small enough to pop a couple in your mouth at a time, like eating nuts. Or at least that is the explanation I've made up. And it turns out that I do like them; they are quite good!

This is the first time I will be making them myself. If they turn out well, I am going to make them for the 2 cookie exchanges I plan to attend next week. I am all about easy and not labor intensive when I have to make large amounts of something. This dough can be made in advance and refrigerated. Yes, they do call for Crisco... I will be leaving out the nuts. I've never had them with nuts, anyways.

Just Right Peppernuts

2 ½ c. Crisco shortening*
1 ½ c. brown sugar
1 ½ c. white sugar
¼ c. evaporated milk
1 egg
1 and ¼ t. allspice
2 t. anise
½ t. salt
½ t. soda
1 t. nutmeg
1 t. cloves (or 1 ½)
2 t. cinnamon (or 2 ½)
½ c. chopped nuts

Mix all together and add flour, enough to make a stiff dough (about 6 cups). This dough can be stored in the refrigerator. Roll dough into logs and slice apart into small coin-sized pieces. Bake @ 350 for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy!

*12/6/08 Edited to add: I made some peppernuts today for a cookie exchange. I substituted some butter for a little more than half of the required shortening, and they turned out great! Next time, I may try 100% butter for the shortening. I was a little scared to today, though.