Glazed Pfeffernuesse

[nverland]

Glazed Pfeffernuesse
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 1-1/4 hours + chilling Bake: 10 min. /batch MAKES: 60 servings

Ingredients
1-1/4 cups butter, softened
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon anise extract
6 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 cups finely chopped nuts

GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons 2% milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, water and extract. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and spices; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Roll dough into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla. Place additional confectioners' sugar in another shallow bowl. Remove cookies to wire racks; cool 5 minutes. Dip tops of warm cookies in glaze and allow excess to drip off; dip in confectioners' sugar. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight container. Yield: about 10 dozen.