PHILADELPHIA - Long before modern gingerbread lattes took over the winter season, there was the ultimate spiced treat: the peppernut. Known traditionally as Pfeffernüsse in German or "white peppernuts" in Pennsylvania Dutch culture, these tiny, bite-sized cookies pack a massive punch of warm spices like anise, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and, yes, a pinch of black or white pepper.
Because the Greater Philadelphia area has deep ties to both German immigrants and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, the region has a long-standing love affair with spiced baked goods. Whether you are hunting for soft, sugar-glazed Pfeffernüsse or the hard, crunchy PA Dutch peppernuts meant for dunking in coffee, here are the best spots in and around Philadelphia to find them.
1. Haegele's Bakery (Mayfair)
If there is a holy grail for traditional German baking in Philadelphia, it is Haegele's Bakery in the Mayfair neighborhood. Opened in 1930 by German immigrant August Haegele, this beloved corner bakery is still run by the Haegele family today. Stepping inside feels like a true step back in time, with vintage art deco cases filled with old-world treats.
During the holiday season and cooler months, Haegele's is famous for producing completely authentic, handmade Pfeffernüsse. Because everything is baked fresh and by hand, items sell out quickly—so it is highly recommended to call ahead or arrive early if you are hunting for these traditional spiced cookies.
2. Rieker’s Prime Meats (Fox Chase)
Don't let the name fool you—while Rieker's is primarily known as one of the finest authentic German butchers in the city, it is also a fantastic European grocer. Located in Northeast Philadelphia, Rieker's stocks its shelves with a massive assortment of imported German pantry goods.
When the cooler weather hits, they import boxes and bags of authentic, European-made Pfeffernüsse, Lebkuchen (soft gingerbread), and Spekulatius (spiced shortcrust cookies). It is the perfect one-stop shop to grab your peppernuts alongside some homemade bratwurst and imported mustards.
3. Danish Bakers (Rockledge)
Sitting just outside the city borders near Fox Chase, Danish Bakers has been a staple of the Greater Philadelphia community since 1960. Founded by Ramon McCrimmon Sr. and his wife Dolores, this family-owned bakery is now in its fourth generation of operation.
While they are famous for their traditional Danish and European pastries baked entirely from scratch using time-honored recipes, their seasonal cookie rotation frequently embraces regional and European spice cookies. It is an excellent neighborhood shop to check for spiced holiday treats.
4. Reading Terminal Market (PA Dutch Merchants)
For a slightly different take on the peppernut, head to Center City's iconic Reading Terminal Market. The market is home to several authentic Pennsylvania Dutch merchants (such as Beiler's Bakery) that bring goods in straight from Lancaster County.
While traditional German Pfeffernüsse are often soft and heavily glazed, the Pennsylvania Dutch "peppernut" or "Weiss Pefferniss" is often a much smaller, crunchier spice cookie. During the fall and winter seasons, browse the PA Dutch bakery cases at the market—you'll frequently find these highly addictive, bite-sized spiced cookies bagged up and ready to pair with your morning coffee.
