19+ Best German Cookie Recipe Christmas Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 1, 2024
When it comes to the holiday season, nothing beats the comforting and familiar taste of traditional German cookies. These delicious treats are a staple in German households during Christmas, and for good reason. With a perfect balance of rich flavors and warm spices, they are the ultimate indulgence for any sweet tooth. If you want to impress your friends and family with the best German cookie recipe this Christmas, look no further. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making the most delectable German cookies that will surely become a family favorite.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, Eggs, Honey, Orange Liqueur, Sour
One of the most beloved and iconic German Christmas treats is gingerbread, also known as Lebkuchen. This delicious spiced cookie is a staple in German households during the holiday season. It's made with flour, honey, spices, and nuts, and can be decorated with icing or chocolate. The smell of freshly baked gingerbread is sure to get anyone in the Christmas spirit.
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Lebkuchen (German Fruit and Spice Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Lemon, Orange, Dried Apricot, Dried Cherries
Lebkuchen, or German fruit and spice cookies, are a traditional Christmas treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. They are typically made with a mix of spices, dried fruits, and nuts, giving them a rich and flavorful taste. These cookies are often cut into fun shapes and decorated with icing or sugar for a festive touch.
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Zimtsterne – German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Powdered Sugar, Ground Almonds, Cinnamon
Zimtsterne, or cinnamon stars, are a popular German Christmas cookie that is loved by adults and children alike. These cookies are typically made with ground almonds, cinnamon, and sugar, and are topped with a thin layer of icing. The result is a deliciously chewy and sweet cookie that is perfect for the holiday season.
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Pfeffernusse German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Flour, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Butter
Pfeffernusse, or German spice cookies, are a must-have during the Christmas season. These small, round cookies are loaded with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and are typically coated in powdered sugar. They have a soft and chewy texture, making them the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa.
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German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Runny Honey, Butter, Plain Flour, Ground Almond, Ground
There are countless types of German Christmas cookies, each with its own unique flavor and history. Some favorites include springerle, which are anise-flavored cookies with intricate designs, and vanillekipferl, which are crescent-shaped cookies with a delicious vanilla taste. No matter which cookies you choose to make, they are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Dresden Stollen (German Christmas Stollen)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that is filled with dried fruits and nuts and topped with powdered sugar. It originated in Dresden, Germany, and is now enjoyed by people all over the world during the holiday season. Stollen is a rich and decadent treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.
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German Christmas cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Hazelnut Flour, Plain Flour
During the Christmas season, German households are filled with the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies. These cookies are often made with recipes that have been passed down for generations, making them even more special. From simple butter cookies to elaborate spitzbuben, there is a German Christmas cookie for everyone.
Stollen is not only a delicious treat, but it also holds a special meaning during the holiday season. Its shape is said to resemble the swaddled baby Jesus, making it a symbol of Christmas. This sweet and rich bread is often enjoyed with coffee or tea, and is a must-have on any German Christmas table.
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German Terrassen Kekse Christmas cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Egg Yolks
Terrassen Kekse, or terrace cookies, are a unique German Christmas cookie that is sure to impress your guests. These cookies are made by layering different flavors of dough, creating a beautiful and delicious cookie that is perfect for any holiday party. They are also a fun activity to make with kids, as they can help choose and layer the different dough flavors.
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Traditional German Stollen for Christmas
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Dark Rum, Flour, Sugar, Butter, Candied Lemon
There are many variations of German Stollen, but the traditional recipe is still a favorite among many families. It is typically made with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and has a rich and buttery taste. Some families like to add their own twist to the traditional recipe, such as adding marzipan or chocolate chips.
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German Dresden Christmas Stollen
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
Dresden Stollen is known for its unique shape, with a hump in the middle to represent the baby Jesus. This special bread is often enjoyed on Christmas morning as a breakfast treat. It is also a popular gift to give to friends and family during the holiday season, as it can be made in advance and stays fresh for several weeks.
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German Dominosteine Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Honey, Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Flour, Gingerbread
Dominosteine, or domino cookies, are a delicious and festive treat that is popular in Germany during the Christmas season. These cookies are made with layers of gingerbread, marzipan, and jam, and are coated in chocolate. They are often cut into small rectangles, resembling dominoes, hence the name.
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German Anise Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Flour, Vanilla Sugar, Eggs, Anise
Anise-flavored cookies are another popular treat during the German Christmas season. These cookies are made with anise extract, giving them a distinct and delicious flavor. They are often cut into fun shapes and decorated with icing or sprinkles, making them a fun and festive addition to any holiday dessert table.
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German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Macadamia Nuts, Flour, Powdered Sugar, Salt, Butter
Spitzbuben, or jam-filled cookies, are a classic German Christmas treat that is loved by all. These cookies are made with a buttery dough and filled with jam, creating a delicious combination of flavors and textures. They are often cut into fun shapes, such as stars or hearts, and dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
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BEST German Christmas Stollen (Christstollen)
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Dry Active Yeast, Granulated Sugar, All
If you're looking for the ultimate German Christmas Stollen recipe, look no further. This recipe has been passed down for generations and is sure to become a favorite in your family as well. The bread is rich and buttery, with a perfect balance of dried fruits and nuts. It's also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect treat for busy holiday season.
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Stollen (German Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Candied Lemon Peel, Candied Orange Peel
Stollen is often referred to as German Christmas bread, and for good reason. It is a rich and delicious bread that is perfect for the holiday season. The bread is typically filled with dried fruits and nuts, and is topped with a generous amount of powdered sugar. It's a great alternative to traditional Christmas cookies and is perfect for those who love a sweet bread.
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Pfeffernusse (German Spice Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Eggs, Molasses, Baking Soda
Pfeffernusse, or German spice cookies, are a must-have during the holiday season. These cookies are made with a mix of spices, giving them a warm and cozy flavor. They are also often coated in powdered sugar, making them a deliciously sweet treat. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a cold winter night.
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Wonderful homemade German Christmas biscuits
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Icing Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Rum, Cinnamon
There's nothing quite like homemade German Christmas biscuits. These treats are made with love and often bring back memories of childhood for many people. Whether it's classic gingerbread men or more intricate springerle, these homemade biscuits are sure to make your holiday season a little sweeter.
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German Flourless Christmas Cookies (Elisenlebkuchen)
Main Ingredients: Almonds, Hazelnuts, Large Eggs, Powdered Sugar, Mace
If you're looking for a gluten-free option for your holiday treats, try making Elisenlebkuchen. These German flourless cookies are made with ground almonds, honey, and spices, and are a delicious alternative to traditional cookies. They are also a great option for those with nut allergies, as they can be made with alternative nut flours.
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Dresden Style German Christmas Stollen
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Cherries, Golden Raisins, Zante Currants, Spiced
This recipe for Dresden-style German Christmas Stollen is a favorite among many families. It's rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of dried fruits and nuts. The bread is also soaked in rum before being baked, giving it a unique and delicious taste. This stollen is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a dessert after a holiday meal.
Ingredients for the Best German Cookie Recipe
Flour, Butter, and Sugar - The Foundation of German Cookies
The key to making delicious German cookies lies in the quality of the ingredients used. For the best results, use high-quality flour, butter, and sugar in your recipe. German cookies are known for their rich and buttery taste, so it is important to use unsalted butter to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness. Additionally, using granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar will give your cookies a slightly crunchy texture that is characteristic of traditional German cookies.
Spices - The Secret Ingredient in German Cookies
What sets German cookies apart from other Christmas treats is the use of warm spices. Adding a combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to your cookie dough will give it a unique and delicious flavor. You can also experiment with other spices like cardamom or cloves to create your own twist on the traditional recipe.
Nuts and Dried Fruits - Adding Texture and Flavor
Incorporating chopped nuts and dried fruits into your cookie dough will add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor to your cookies. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are commonly used in German cookies, and dried cranberries or raisins are popular choices for adding a touch of sweetness.
Steps to Make the Best German Cookies
Mixing and Chilling the Dough
To make the perfect German cookie dough, start by mixing the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Then, cut the butter into small cubes and use your hands to combine it with the flour mixture until a crumbly texture is achieved. Next, add in the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour before rolling it out.
Cutting and Baking the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake the cookies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool before removing them from the baking sheet.
Decorating and Serving
Once the cookies are cooled, it's time to get creative with the decorations. Traditional German cookies are often decorated with a simple powdered sugar glaze or chocolate drizzle. You can also use colored sugar or candied fruit to add a festive touch. Serve your delicious German cookies with a warm cup of mulled wine for the ultimate holiday treat.
In Conclusion
With these tips and steps, you now have the perfect recipe for the best German cookies this Christmas. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, add a touch of warm spices, and get creative with your decorations. Your friends and family will be impressed with your baking skills and will surely be asking for your secret recipe. Happy baking!