Welcome to our blog, where we're diving into the enchanting world of traditional German Christmas cookie recipes. With the holiday season just around the corner, it's time to dust off those baking sheets and fill our homes with the delightful aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Germany is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and their Christmas cookies are no exception.
From buttery spiced biscuits to delicate almond crescents, these treats are steeped in tradition and hold a special place in every German household. So, join us as we explore the best of the best, sharing the stories, tips, and techniques behind these beloved holiday treats. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through Germany's festive cookie traditions!
1. Nussecken
Nussecken, also known as German Nut Corners, are a delicious traditional German Christmas cookie. These buttery shortbread cookies are topped with sticky apricot jam, sweet hazelnuts, and a rich chocolate glaze.
The addition of rum adds a delightful flavor to these treats. Nussecken are a special treat to enjoy year-round and are especially delightful to share during the holiday season.
2. Lebkuchen
Lebkuchen is a traditional German Christmas cookie that combines the flavors of gingerbread and cake. These cookies are tender, moist, and filled with warm Christmasy spices. They are topped with a creamy glaze and decorated with blanched almonds.
The addition of almond flour gives these cookies a nutty and hearty taste. Lebkuchen can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days or frozen for 6-8 months. They are a must-try for anyone who loves Biscoff cookies or simply enjoys delicious holiday treats.
3. Pfeffernüsse Cookies
Pfeffernüsse Cookies are a traditional German Christmas cookie made with molasses, warm spices, and a pinch of white pepper. These old-fashioned gingerbread spiced cookies have a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
They are easy to make and can be ready in less than 30 minutes. Pfeffernüsse Cookies make a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie tray.
4. Elisen Lebkuchen
Elisen Lebkuchen is a quintessential German Christmas cookie that is renowned for its chewy and soft texture. These flourless cookies are packed with the goodness of nuts, honey, and spices, making them a delightful treat.
Originating from Nuremberg in the 14th century, Elisen Lebkuchen is known for its high-quality nut content, setting it apart from commercial variations. Whether enjoyed on their own or served with tea or coffee, these cookies are sure to impress with their irresistible flavors.
5. Vanillekipferl
Vanillekipferl is a traditional German Christmas cookie recipe that has been given a vegan twist. These crescent-shaped cookies are delicately crumbly with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with ground almonds and coated with vanilla sugar, they are buttery, tender, nutty, and addictive.
The high butter content gives them their signature texture, and the absence of eggs makes them suitable for vegans. Whether made with blanched almonds for a light-colored cookie or unblanched almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a darker, speckled cookie, Vanillekipferl is a must-have during the holiday season.
6. Zimtsterne
Zimtsterne, also known as Cinnamon Stars, are a traditional German Christmas cookie made with ground almonds and cinnamon. These cookies are topped with a sweet meringue glaze, adding a delightful touch of sweetness.
The combination of almonds and cinnamon creates a delicious base for these cookies, making them irresistible. Zimtsterne are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a classic German Christmas treat.
7. German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
The German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies are a delightful traditional German treat. This recipe offers two variations – the Macadamia Cherry Spitzbuben and the Boozy Black Forest Spitzbuben. The cookies are tender, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth.
The Macadamia Cherry version features a delicious contrast between the pale cookie and the bright red sour cherry jam. The Black Forest version combines cherry, chocolate, and Kirsch-Schnaps for a truly indulgent experience. These sandwich cookies are a must-try for any Christmas cookie lover.
8. Vanille Kipferl
Vanille Kipferl, also known as vanilla crescents, are a traditional German Christmas cookie. These crescent-shaped shortcrust biscuits are made with ground almonds and often roasted almond slithers.
They have a distinctive vanilla flavor and are typically coated in a mixture of powdered sugar and vanilla. Vanille Kipferl are a beloved Christmas treat in Germany and are easy to make. They are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the delicious flavors of traditional German Christmas cookies.
9. Lebkuchen Cookies
Lebkuchen cookies are a traditional German treat that dates back to the 14th century. These soft and chewy cookies are heavily spiced with a mix of festive flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Made with honey, brown sugar, butter, ground almonds, and a blend of ground spices, these cookies are a cross between a biscuit and a cake.
They are perfect for gifting during the holiday season and get even better with age. The recipe also includes a glaze made with icing sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract for added sweetness. Overall, Lebkuchen cookies are a delightful and festive addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
10. Spritzgebäck
Spritzgebäck is a classic German Christmas cookie recipe that is loved by many. These buttery and delicate cookies are made using a cookie press or a mincer, resulting in beautiful ruffled or wavy shapes.
The recipe calls for simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, egg yolk, salt, and vanilla essence. Optional toppings include melted dark chocolate or red fruit jam. Spritzgebäck is a must-try traditional German Christmas cookie that will surely add a festive touch to your holiday baking.
11. German Flourless Christmas Cookies (Elisenlebkuchen)
German Flourless Christmas Cookies (Elisenlebkuchen) are a beloved traditional treat in Germany. Made with a combination of ground almonds and hazelnuts, these cookies have a unique texture and are packed with warm spices like cinnamon, mace, clove, and allspice.
They are also flavored with grated lemon zest and candied orange and lemon peels. Topped with either a sugar or chocolate glaze, these cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday spread.
12. German Gingerbread Cookies
German Gingerbread Cookies are a delightful traditional German Christmas treat. These cookies have a crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Made with natural sweeteners and einkorn flour, they offer a healthier twist on the classic recipe.
The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a warm and festive flavor profile. While not exactly like traditional lebkuchen, these cookies capture the essence of German gingerbread. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are a delicious addition to any Christmas celebration.
13. German Hazelnut Meringue Cookies
German Hazelnut Meringue Cookies are a delightful traditional German Christmas cookie. These elegant cookies feature a buttery hazelnut shortbread filled with a delicious hazelnut meringue and chocolate chips. The combination of flavors is divine, making these cookies a must-have during the holiday season. With a simple creaming method for the cookie dough and a quick assembly process, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make.
The meringue should just start to turn golden while the cookie remains a light color. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are a true treat. For the best results, it is recommended to use freshly ground toasted hazelnuts. Overall, German Hazelnut Meringue Cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
14. German Oatmeal Cookies
German Oatmeal Cookies, also known as Haferplätzchen, are a traditional German holiday treat. These cookies are made with simple ingredients and have a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Unlike North American oatmeal cookies, they do not include additional ingredients like raisins. The lack of excessive sugar allows the flavor of the oats to shine through. These cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert platter during the holiday season.
15. German Lebkuchen
German Lebkuchen is a traditional honey-sweetened German cake that resembles gingerbread. It is often cut into large heart shapes and decorated with colorful icing. These cookies are a popular treat at Oktoberfest and Christmas celebrations, and they are becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
The recipe requires patience, as the cookies are iced and left to soften in a tin for a few days. Overall, German Lebkuchen is a delicious and festive treat that transports you to the bustling Christmas markets of Germany.
16. Cinnamon Stars
Cinnamon Stars are a quintessential German Christmas biscuit that perfectly captures the festive spirit. These snow-colored stars are infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon, making them a delightful treat for the holiday season.
The dough is sticky, but rolling it out between baking paper helps prevent any mess. Kids can join in the fun by cutting out the star shapes and decorating them with "snow." These cute and delicious cookies are perfect for gifting and will fill your home with the inviting scent of Christmas.
17. Vegan Cinnamon Stars
The Vegan Cinnamon Stars are a delightful twist on traditional German Christmas cookies. Made without eggs, these sweet and nutty treats feature a base of almonds and hazelnuts, with the warm flavors of cinnamon and zest of lemon.
The cookies are topped with a thick, pourable icing made from powdered sugar, cinnamon, and plant milk. They are perfect for the holiday season and are both vegan and gluten-free.
18. Authentic German Lebkuchen
Authentic German Lebkuchen is a traditional Christmas treat that has been enjoyed in Germany since the 14th century. Made with honey, spices, and a high ratio of almonds and hazelnuts, these gingerbread cookies have a rich and vibrant flavor.
Lebkuchengewürz, a blend of spices, is a critical ingredient that adds to the authentic taste. The texture and flavor of these Elisenlebkuchen are sublime, and they only get better with time. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable German Christmas pastry, give these traditional Lebkuchen a try.
19. German Honey Bars (Lebkuchen)
German Honey Bars, also known as Lebkuchen, are a traditional German Christmas cookie that has been enjoyed for centuries. These gingerbread-flavored bars have a dense and chewy texture, with a delightful nutty flavor from the toasted almonds.
Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, these cookies only get better with time as the flavors of the spices marry. Perfect for gifting or shipping, these cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container. Try this recipe to experience the rich and festive flavors of German Honey Bars this holiday season.
20. German Baked Marzipan Cookies
German Baked Marzipan Cookies, also known as Bethmännchen, are a delightful traditional German Christmas treat. These cookies are made with marzipan, which is flattened and formed into squares.
Each cookie is then topped with three almond halves and brushed with egg white before being baked until golden. The result is a deliciously sweet and nutty cookie that is perfect for snacking or dessert. Try these authentic German cookies for a taste of Christmas in Frankfurt.
21. Heidesand
Heidesand is a classic German Christmas cookie made with browned butter, giving it a distinct and delicious flavor. These shortbread cookies are delicately crumbly with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them a favorite during the holiday season in Germany.
The recipe is simple yet yields a wonderful taste and can be easily customized with variations like candied ginger, orange, or rosemary. Overall, Heidesand is a must-try traditional German cookie that will add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your Christmas celebrations.
22. Traditional German Hazelnut Macaroons
The Traditional German Hazelnut Macaroons are a delightful addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Made with ground hazelnuts and leftover egg whites, these macaroons are light and delicious. The addition of Oblaten helps keep the sticky mixture together while baking.
For a twist, you can add vanilla sugar or cocoa to the recipe. These macaroons can be enjoyed as is or with a hazelnut and a dollop of white chocolate on top. Give these German Hazelnut Macaroons a try this holiday season for a traditional and tasty treat.
