Pfeffernuesse

Step 1: In a small saucepan combine molasses and butter. Cook and stir over low heat until butter melts.

Step 2: Pour into a large bowl; cool to room temperature.

Step 3: In a medium bowl stir together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, cardamom, allspice, and pepper; set aside.

Step 4: Stir egg into molasses mixture.

Step 5: Stir in flour mixture until combined, kneading in flour mixture, if necessary.

Step 6: Divide dough in half. Wrap and chill for 1 to 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

Step 7: Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 8: Divide half of the dough into 6 portions.

Step 9: On a lightly floured surface or wooden board, roll each portion of the dough into a 10-inch rope, about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 10: Cut ropes crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.

Step 11: Place pieces 1/2 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Step 12: Bake about 10 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are light brown.

Step 13: Transfer to paper towels and let cool. Repeat with remaining dough.