Grandma Anna's Italian Pepper Cookies

No mixer is needed for this grandma's peppery, walnut-studded Italian Christmas cookies that combine a spicy flavor with a sweet, citrus glaze.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 114 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup raisins
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup shortening
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¾ cup confectioners' sugar
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons multi-colored sprinkles, or to taste (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, pepper, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves for cookies together into a large bowl.

Step 3

Place shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until melted. Pour into dry ingredients and mix with a spoon.

Step 4

Add milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla; mix with a spoon to combine. Add raisins, chopped walnuts, and finely chopped walnuts and mix with your hands to combine. Roll dough into small balls and set 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 5

Bake in batches in the preheated oven until edges are golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.

Step 6

Prepare glaze while cookies cool. Place confectioners' sugar in a bowl. Add milk, orange juice, and orange zest and mix until smooth.

Step 7

Brush glaze onto cooled cookies or spread with a spoon. Decorate with sprinkles.