20+ Spiced Christmas Biscuits Recipe German Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 21, 2024
German Christmas is a time full of joy, traditions, and delicious treats. One of the most beloved holiday treats in Germany is Spiced Christmas Biscuits, also known as "Spekulatius" or "Pfeffernüsse". These cookies have a rich history and are an essential part of every German household during the festive season. In this article, we will share with you a traditional German spiced Christmas biscuits recipe that will fill your home with the warm and festive aroma of the holiday season. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delicious and authentic German Christmas biscuits.
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Icing Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Rum, Cinnamon
What better way to kick off our list than with a traditional German Christmas recipe? These homemade biscuits are a staple in German households during the holiday season. Made with a blend of spices and nuts, these biscuits are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a truly authentic German meal.
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Zimtsterne – German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Powdered Sugar, Ground Almonds, Cinnamon
Add a touch of sweetness to your beer can chicken with this recipe for Zimtsterne, also known as German cinnamon stars. These cookies are made with ground almonds and a generous amount of cinnamon, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. Use them as a topping for your beer can chicken or enjoy them as a dessert on their own.
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Pfeffernusse German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Flour, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Butter
Another classic German Christmas cookie, Pfeffernusse is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. These spicy cookies are made with a blend of ginger, cloves, and black pepper, giving them a bold and flavorful taste. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a festive and delicious meal.
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German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Runny Honey, Butter, Plain Flour, Ground Almond, Ground
If you can't decide on just one type of German Christmas cookie, why not make a variety? This recipe combines three different types of cookies – Zimtsterne, Pfeffernusse, and Anise – for a delicious and unique twist on the traditional beer can chicken accompaniment. Your guests will love trying out all the different flavors.
For a boozy twist on beer can chicken, try these Christmas rum balls. Made with a mixture of chocolate, nuts, and rum, these truffle-like treats are the perfect addition to your holiday meal. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a sweet and indulgent pairing.
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Dresden Stollen (German Christmas Stollen)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
This traditional German Christmas bread is another must-try for beer can chicken lovers. Made with a combination of dried fruits and nuts, this bread is rich and flavorful. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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German Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Hazelnut Flour, Plain Flour
Another delicious cookie recipe to add to your beer can chicken repertoire, these German Christmas cookies are made with a blend of ground almonds and spices. The unique combination of flavors will complement your chicken perfectly.
For a twist on the traditional Dresden stollen, try this recipe for German Christmas stollen. This version includes marzipan for an added layer of sweetness and texture. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a truly indulgent meal.
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German Terrassen Kekse Christmas cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Egg Yolks
These classic German Christmas cookies are a simple yet delicious accompaniment to beer can chicken. Made with a blend of almonds, lemon, and cinnamon, these cookies are perfect for dipping in your chicken's flavorful juices.
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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 Christmas stollen recipe, this is the one for you. Made with a blend of nuts, dried fruits, and spices, this bread is a staple in German households during the holiday season. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a festive and satisfying meal.
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German Dresden Christmas Stollen
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Ground Cardamom
This recipe for Dresden-style Christmas stollen is a slightly different take on the traditional bread. It incorporates a variety of dried fruits and nuts, as well as a touch of brandy, for a rich and flavorful result. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and delicious meal.
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German Dominosteine Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Honey, Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Flour, Gingerbread
These unique and delicious cookies are a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Made with layers of marzipan, fruit jelly, and chocolate, these treats are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Serve them alongside your chicken for a decadent and indulgent meal.
Add a touch of holiday fun to your beer can chicken with these adorable Christmas reindeer cookies. Made with a simple sugar cookie dough and festive decorations, these cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday meal. Serve them alongside your chicken for a playful and delicious twist.
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German Anise Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Flour, Vanilla Sugar, Eggs, Anise
For a unique and flavorful twist on traditional German Christmas cookies, try this recipe for anise cookies. The addition of anise gives these cookies a distinct and delicious taste that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Serve them alongside your chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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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 ultimate German Christmas stollen recipe, look no further. This recipe is hailed as the best, featuring a blend of dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of rum for a rich and decadent flavor. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a truly indulgent meal.
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German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Macadamia Nuts, Flour, Powdered Sugar, Salt, Butter
These classic German Christmas cookies are a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Made with a buttery cookie dough and filled with a layer of jam, these treats are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Serve them alongside your chicken for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Stollen (German Christmas Bread)
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Candied Lemon Peel, Candied Orange Peel
This traditional German Christmas bread is a simple yet delicious accompaniment to beer can chicken. Made with a blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this bread is perfect for soaking up all the flavorful juices from your chicken. Serve it alongside your meal for a hearty and satisfying dish.
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Pfeffernusse (German Spice Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Eggs, Molasses, Baking Soda
For a twist on the classic Pfeffernusse cookies, try this recipe for German spice cookies. Made with a blend of spices and a touch of molasses, these cookies are a unique and flavorful addition to any beer can chicken meal. Serve them alongside your chicken for a satisfying and indulgent treat.
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German Flourless Christmas Cookies (Elisenlebkuchen)
Main Ingredients: Almonds, Hazelnuts, Large Eggs, Powdered Sugar, Mace
For a gluten-free option, try these flourless German Christmas cookies. Made with a blend of almonds, hazelnuts, and spices, these cookies are a delicious and unique twist on traditional German treats. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Dresden Style German Christmas Stollen
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Cherries, Golden Raisins, Zante Currants, Spiced
This recipe for Dresden-style Christmas stollen is a slightly different take on the traditional bread. It incorporates a variety of dried fruits and nuts, as well as a touch of brandy, for a rich and flavorful result. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and delicious meal.
The History of Spiced Christmas Biscuits in Germany
The Origin of Spekulatius
The history of spiced Christmas biscuits in Germany dates back to the 16th century when they were first introduced by Dutch bakers. These biscuits were initially called "speculaas" and were made with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom. They were traditionally made in special wooden molds depicting biblical scenes, making them a popular Christmas gift among religious communities.
The Evolution of Pfeffernüsse
In the 18th century, during the reign of King Friedrich II of Prussia, the recipe for spiced biscuits was further developed and became known as pfeffernüsse, meaning "pepper nuts". These biscuits were smaller and rounder in shape, and instead of molds, they were rolled by hand and topped with a glaze of sugar and spices.
The Christmas Tradition of Baking Spiced Biscuits
The Advent Tradition
In Germany, the holiday season officially starts on the first Sunday of Advent. This is when families gather to decorate their homes and bake German spiced Christmas biscuits. The tradition of baking these cookies during Advent dates back to the 19th century when German households would light a candle on their Advent wreath and enjoy a freshly baked biscuit with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
The Christmas Markets
During the holiday season, Germany is dotted with Christmas markets that offer a variety of festive treats, including spiced biscuits. These markets are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, where they can stroll around and indulge in the warm and comforting aromas of Christmas. Baking and selling authentic German Christmas biscuits at these markets has become a cherished tradition for many families and bakers.
The Recipe: German Spiced Christmas Biscuits
Now that you know the history and traditions behind these delicious biscuits, it's time to try your hand at making them. Here is a traditional German spiced Christmas biscuits recipe that will surely impress your loved ones.
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup ground almonds
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground almonds, sugar, baking powder, and spices.
Add in the butter, eggs, honey, and vanilla extract, and mix until a dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving or decorating with a glaze of powdered sugar and milk.
Enjoying Your Homemade Spiced Christmas Biscuits
Now that you have successfully made your own batch of German spiced Christmas biscuits, it's time to savor them with your loved ones. These cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, while reminiscing on the traditions and history behind them.
In conclusion, spiced Christmas biscuits hold a special place in the hearts and homes of Germans during the holiday season. Whether you follow a traditional recipe or put your own spin on it, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to your home. So why not start a new tradition this year and bake some authentic German Christmas biscuits for your family and friends? Happy baking!