19 German Christmas Cake Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: May 3, 2024
German Christmas cake, also known as "Stollen," is a traditional holiday dessert that has been enjoyed by generations. This rich and flavorful cake is a staple in German households during the Christmas season, and it's no wonder why. With its warm spices, decadent fruit, and buttery texture, it's the perfect treat to indulge in during the chilly winter months. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of this beloved dessert and provide you with a delicious German Christmas cake recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, Eggs, Honey, Orange Liqueur, Sour
Gingerbread is a classic Christmas treat, and the Germans have their own unique twist on this beloved dessert. Made with a combination of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, German Christmas gingerbread is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It's often shaped into festive shapes like stars or hearts and decorated with icing or edible glitter.
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Lebkuchen (German Fruit and Spice Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Lemon, Orange, Dried Apricot, Dried Cherries
Similar to gingerbread, Lebkuchen is a traditional German Christmas cookie that is a staple in many households during the holiday season. These cookies are typically made with a mix of spices, nuts, and candied fruit, giving them a complex and delicious flavor. They are often topped with a thin layer of glaze or chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
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German Christmas Cake (Stollen)
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Candied Fruit, Almonds, Marzipan, Rum, Active
Stollen is a rich, buttery fruit cake that is a popular Christmas dessert in Germany. It is typically made with dried fruits like raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel, as well as almonds and a variety of spices. The cake is often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and can be served as a decadent breakfast or dessert during the holiday season.
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Authentic Stollen - a German Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Pastry Flour, Whole Milk, Instant Yeast
For those looking for a more traditional version of Stollen, this authentic recipe is a must-try. Made with a blend of yeast, flour, butter, and a variety of dried fruits, this cake has a light and airy texture that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. It's also a great option for those who prefer a less sweet dessert.
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Zimtsterne – German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Powdered Sugar, Ground Almonds, Cinnamon
Zimtsterne, also known as cinnamon stars, are a popular German Christmas cookie that is loved for its delicate texture and warm, spicy flavor. These cookies are made with ground almonds and a generous amount of cinnamon, giving them a unique and delicious taste. They are often topped with a thin layer of glaze and can be cut into a variety of shapes.
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Pfeffernusse German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Flour, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Butter
Pfeffernusse are traditional German Christmas cookies that are a must-have in many households during the holiday season. These spicy, chewy cookies are made with a combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, as well as a touch of black pepper for a unique kick. They are often dusted with powdered sugar and are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of mulled wine.
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German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Runny Honey, Butter, Plain Flour, Ground Almond, Ground
If you're looking for a simple and delicious German Christmas cookie recipe, this is the one for you. Made with a blend of butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and flavors. They are the perfect treat to enjoy while decorating the Christmas tree or watching holiday movies.
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Dresden Stollen (German Christmas Stollen)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
Dresden Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This rich and flavorful bread is made with a mix of spices, dried fruits, and almonds, and is often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. It's a great option for those looking for a hearty and satisfying dessert.
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German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Hazelnut Flour, Plain Flour
These German Christmas cookies are simple and delicious, making them a great option for busy holiday bakers. Made with a combination of butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies can be shaped into festive holiday shapes and decorated with your favorite toppings. They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
This traditional German Christmas stollen is a staple in many households during the holiday season. Made with a blend of spices, dried fruits, and almonds, this bread is rich, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. It's often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee and can be served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast option.
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German Terrassen Kekse Christmas cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Egg Yolks
These German Terrassen Kekse cookies are a unique and delicious twist on traditional German Christmas cookies. Made with a blend of spices, almonds, and chocolate, these cookies have a rich and decadent flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. They are also a great option for gifting to friends and family.
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Traditional German Stollen for Christmas
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Dark Rum, Flour, Sugar, Butter, Candied Lemon
If you're looking for a classic and authentic German stollen recipe, this is the one for you. Made with a combination of dried fruits, spices, and a touch of rum, this bread has a rich and complex flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. It's also a great option for those who enjoy baking and want to try their hand at a traditional Christmas dessert.
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German Dresden Christmas Stollen
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
This German Dresden Christmas stollen is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this bread is rich and flavorful, and the perfect addition to any Christmas table. It can also be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast option with a cup of coffee or tea.
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German Dominosteine Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Honey, Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Flour, Gingerbread
Dominosteine are a unique and delicious German Christmas cookie that is loved for its rich and decadent flavor. These cookies are made with a layer of gingerbread or cake, topped with a layer of marzipan, and then coated in chocolate. They are often cut into small cubes and are perfect for enjoying as a sweet treat during the holiday season.
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German Anise Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Flour, Vanilla Sugar, Eggs, Anise
If you're a fan of anise flavor, these German Anise Christmas cookies are a must-try. Made with a blend of spices, almonds, and a touch of anise extract, these cookies have a unique and delicious taste that is perfect for the holiday season. They are often cut into festive shapes and decorated with icing or sprinkles.
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German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Macadamia Nuts, Flour, Powdered Sugar, Salt, Butter
Spitzbuben, also known as Linzer cookies, are a popular German Christmas treat that is loved for its buttery and crumbly texture. These cookies are typically made with a combination of butter, sugar, and flour, and are filled with jam or jelly for a burst of fruity flavor. They are often cut into cute shapes like stars or hearts and are perfect for gifting to friends and family.
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BEST German Christmas Stollen (Christstollen)
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Dry Active Yeast, Granulated Sugar, All
If you're on the hunt for the best German Christmas stollen recipe, look no further. This Christstollen is made with a rich and buttery dough that is filled with a variety of dried fruits and nuts, giving it a complex and delicious flavor. It's also topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
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Stollen (German Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Candied Lemon Peel, Candied Orange Peel
This traditional German stollen is a must-try for those who love a hearty and flavorful bread. Made with a combination of spices, dried fruits, and almonds, this stollen is rich and delicious, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. It's also a great option for those looking for a more filling and satisfying dessert option.
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Pfeffernusse (German Spice Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Eggs, Molasses, Baking Soda
These Pfeffernusse cookies are a classic German Christmas treat that is loved for its warm and spicy flavor. Made with a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of mulled wine or hot cocoa. They are often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Wonderful homemade German Christmas biscuits
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Icing Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Rum, Cinnamon
If you're looking for a homemade German Christmas biscuit recipe that is easy to make and delicious to eat, this is the one for you. Made with a combination of butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies are versatile and can be customized with your favorite spices and flavors. They are perfect for enjoying with a warm drink on a cold winter day.
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German Christmas Gingerbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, Eggs, Honey, Orange Liqueur, Sour
German Christmas gingerbread, also known as Lebkuchen, is a holiday favorite that has been enjoyed for centuries. This soft and spicy cookie is made with a variety of warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and is often decorated with icing or nuts. It's a delicious treat to enjoy with a glass of mulled wine or hot cocoa on a cold winter's night.
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Lebkuchen (German Fruit and Spice Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Lemon, Orange, Dried Apricot, Dried Cherries
Lebkuchen, also known as German fruit and spice cookies, are a staple during the holiday season. They are made with a mixture of honey, spices, and candied fruits, giving them a unique sweet and tangy flavor. These cookies are often cut into different shapes and decorated with icing, making them a fun and festive addition to any holiday dessert spread.
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German Christmas Cake (Stollen)
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Candied Fruit, Almonds, Marzipan, Rum, Active
Stollen is a traditional German Christmas cake that is loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. This rich and dense cake is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee and is a must-have during the holiday season. It's a perfect dessert to share with family and friends, and it also makes a great gift for loved ones.
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Authentic Stollen - a German Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Pastry Flour, Whole Milk, Instant Yeast
For a truly authentic German Christmas experience, you must try a homemade stollen. This cake is made with a yeast dough and is filled with a marzipan center, giving it a sweet and nutty flavor. It's a labor of love to make, but the end result is well worth the effort. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked stollen will make your home smell like Christmas.
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Zimtsterne – German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Powdered Sugar, Ground Almonds, Cinnamon
Zimtsterne, also known as German cinnamon stars, are a classic Christmas cookie that is loved by all. These cookies are made with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and cinnamon, giving them a unique chewy and nutty texture. They are often cut into star shapes and topped with a thin layer of icing, making them a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter.
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Pfeffernusse German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Flour, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Butter
Pfeffernusse, also known as German spice cookies, are a must-have during the holiday season. These small and spicy cookies are made with a mixture of warm spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and are often rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. They are perfect for dipping in a cup of tea or coffee and make a great homemade gift for friends and family.
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German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Runny Honey, Butter, Plain Flour, Ground Almond, Ground
There is no shortage of delicious Christmas cookie recipes in Germany. From buttery shortbread to jam-filled Linzer cookies, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These cookies are often made with traditional German ingredients and are a great way to add some international flair to your holiday baking.
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Dresden Stollen (German Christmas Stollen)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
Dresden stollen is a popular variation of the traditional German Christmas cake. This version is loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of rum for added flavor. It's often dusted with powdered sugar and makes a great addition to any holiday dessert table.
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German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Hazelnut Flour, Plain Flour
German Christmas cookies are more than just desserts; they are a holiday tradition. These cookies are often made with love and shared with family and friends. From classic gingerbread to spiced Pfeffernusse, these cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday season.
German Christmas stollen is a rich and festive cake that is enjoyed during the holiday season. This traditional cake is often made with a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, and is a staple at Christmas markets throughout Germany. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience a true taste of German Christmas.
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German Terrassen Kekse Christmas cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Egg Yolks
Terrassen Kekse, also known as German terraces cookies, are a fun and unique addition to any holiday cookie platter. These cookies are made with a buttery shortbread dough and are often stacked to create a layered effect. They are then drizzled with chocolate for a decadent and festive touch.
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Traditional German Stollen for Christmas
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Dark Rum, Flour, Sugar, Butter, Candied Lemon
For a classic and traditional German Christmas experience, you can't go wrong with a homemade stollen. This cake is loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. It's a perfect dessert to share with loved ones and is sure to become a holiday favorite.
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German Dresden Christmas Stollen
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
Dresden stollen, also known as German Christmas stollen, is a popular variation of the traditional holiday cake. This version is often made with a marzipan filling, giving it a unique and nutty flavor. It's a great dessert to enjoy after a hearty holiday meal and is sure to impress your guests.
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German Dominosteine Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Honey, Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Flour, Gingerbread
Dominosteine, also known as German domino cookies, are a festive and delicious treat to enjoy during the holiday season. These cookies are made with layers of gingerbread, marzipan, and a jelly filling, giving them a unique and complex flavor. They are often cut into small squares and make a perfect addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
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German Anise Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Flour, Vanilla Sugar, Eggs, Anise
Anise cookies, also known as Anisplätzchen, are a traditional German Christmas cookie that is loved for its unique and fragrant flavor. These cookies are often made with a mixture of flour, sugar, and ground anise seeds, giving them a subtle licorice taste. They are perfect for dunking in a cup of hot tea or coffee on a cold winter's night.
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BEST German Christmas Stollen (Christstollen)
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Dry Active Yeast, Granulated Sugar, All
For the ultimate Christmas stollen experience, you must try this authentic and delicious recipe. Loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this stollen is a true labor of love and is sure to become a holiday favorite. It's perfect for sharing with family and friends, and it also makes a great homemade gift.
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German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Macadamia Nuts, Flour, Powdered Sugar, Salt, Butter
Spitzbuben, also known as German jam-filled cookies, are a classic holiday treat that is loved by all. These cookies are made with a buttery shortbread dough and are filled with a variety of jams, such as raspberry or apricot. They are often cut into fun shapes and make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert spread.
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Stollen (German Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Candied Lemon Peel, Candied Orange Peel
Stollen is a traditional German Christmas bread that is rich, dense, and full of flavor. This bread is often loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of rum, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy after a holiday meal. It's also a great option for those who prefer a less sweet alternative to traditional Christmas cakes.
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Pfeffernusse (German Spice Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Eggs, Molasses, Baking Soda
Pfeffernusse, also known as German spice cookies, are a must-have during the holiday season. These small and spicy cookies are made with a mixture of warm spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and are often rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. They are perfect for dipping in a cup of tea or coffee and make a great homemade gift for friends and family.
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Wonderful homemade German Christmas biscuits
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Icing Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Rum, Cinnamon
Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a batch of homemade German Christmas biscuits. From traditional gingerbread to spiced Pfeffernusse, these cookies are a delicious and festive addition to any holiday dessert spread. They are also a great way to add some international flair to your holiday baking and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
The History of German Christmas Cake
The Origins of Stollen
Stollen has a long and interesting history, dating back to the 14th century in Germany. It was originally created as a way to use up leftover ingredients such as butter, sugar, and dried fruits. The first recorded mention of Stollen was in a document from 1329, where it was referred to as "butterbrot" or "butter bread." Over time, the recipe evolved and became more refined, eventually becoming the traditional German Christmas cake we know and love today.
The Symbolism of Stollen
In addition to being a delicious treat, Stollen also holds symbolic meaning in German culture. Its shape is said to resemble the swaddled baby Jesus, with the candied fruits and nuts representing the jewels and precious stones that adorned his clothing. This symbolism is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
The Importance of Stollen in German Culture
German Christmas cake has become a beloved tradition in Germany, with each region having its own unique recipe and variations. In fact, there is even a market dedicated solely to Stollen in Dresden, Germany, called the "Striezelmarkt." This market has been around since the 15th century and continues to be a popular destination for locals and tourists alike during the holiday season.
The Perfect German Christmas Cake Recipe
Now that we've explored the history and significance of German Christmas cake, it's time to dive into the recipe. This German Christmas cake recipe is sure to be a hit with your loved ones and will fill your home with the warm and comforting scents of the holiday season.
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 cup raisins
1 cup candied fruit (such as citron, orange peel, and cherries)
1 cup slivered almonds
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and spices.
Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add in the milk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Once the dough has risen, knead in the raisins, candied fruit, and almonds.
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoying Your German Christmas Cake
German Christmas cake is best served warm, so be sure to enjoy it fresh out of the oven. It can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. You can even add a touch of brandy or rum to the dough for an extra kick of flavor.
Now that you have this German Christmas cake recipe, you can carry on the tradition of Stollen in your own home. Share it with your loved ones and spread the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Frohe Weihnachten!
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