What German cookie’s name translates to “pepper nuts” in English?

The German cookie whose name translates to “pepper nuts” is Pfeffernüsse, also written Pfeffernusse in English without the umlaut.

Pfeffernüsse are small, strongly spiced cookies associated with Christmas in Germany and with related traditions in the Netherlands, Denmark and Mennonite communities in North America. The German plural name combines Pfeffer, meaning “pepper,” with Nüsse, meaning “nuts.” Despite the name, the cookies do not necessarily contain nuts: they are roughly nut-sized, and pepper is one of their traditional spices.

Recipes vary by region, but common ingredients include cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, anise and black pepper. Some versions are firm and uncoated, while others are softer or covered with powdered sugar or icing. Dutch pepernoten and kruidnoten are related holiday treats, but they are not identical to every German Pfeffernüsse recipe.

The other options are different European cookies. Spekulatius is a spiced biscuit associated especially with the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany; Springerle is an embossed anise cookie; and Lebkuchen is a broader German gingerbread-like confection.