11 German Christmas Cookies European Traditions

Lebkuchen: The Spiced Gingerbread of Nuremberg

Lebkuchen are traditional German gingerbread cookies that originated in the city of Nuremberg. Known for their unique combination of spices and a soft, chewy texture, Lebkuchen are often enjoyed during the Christmas season. They can be iced, glazed, or left plain, and they are often shaped to reflect the festive spirit of the holidays.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey and brown sugar. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg).
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Once the honey mixture has cooled, add the eggs and beat well. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It’s normal for the dough to be sticky.
4. Incorporate Nuts and Fruit: Fold in the chopped almonds and candied orange peel until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will help the flavors meld and make it easier to handle.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Shape the Cookies: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes (traditional shapes include hearts and stars), and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the edges are firm. The centers may still be soft, but will harden as they cool. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Icing (Optional): In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a smooth icing. Adjust with more powdered sugar or lemon juice as necessary.
11. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread icing on top as desired. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the icing for added decoration.
12. Store: Store the Lebkuchen in an airtight container. They will improve in flavor as they sit, so they can be made days or weeks in advance!

Enjoy your homemade Lebkuchen, a delightful treat during the festive season!

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Stollen: The Fruity Bread of Dresden

Stollen is a traditional German fruit bread that is especially popular during the Christmas season. Originating from Dresden, this rich and buttery bread is filled with a blend of dried fruits, nuts, and often marzipan, giving it a delightful sweetness and complexity. Dusting the finished loaf with powdered sugar creates a festive appearance, making Stollen a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Make a well in the center and add the softened butter, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
4. Incorporate Fruits and Nuts: Add the chopped mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts to the dough, kneading gently to incorporate them evenly. If using marzipan, roll it into a log and fold it into the dough.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Stollen: After rising, punch down the dough to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into an oval loaf. Fold one edge over to create a “hump” in the middle, giving Stollen its traditional shape.
7. Second Rise: Place the shaped loaf onto a lined baking sheet and cover it again. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
8. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake the Stollen: Bake the Stollen in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
10. Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove the Stollen from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. After it has cooled completely, generously dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your Stollen sliced with a cup of tea or coffee during the festive season!

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Vanillekipferl: The Nutty Crescent Cookies

Vanillekipferl are traditional German crescent-shaped cookies that are particularly popular during the holiday season. These delicate cookies are characterized by their rich, buttery flavor and are often dusted with powdered sugar, making them a sweet treat that melts in your mouth. The key ingredient is ground nuts, which give them a lovely nuttiness and add to their crumbly texture.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, cream the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds or walnuts, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to shape.
4. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and take small pieces (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them into a log shape, then curve them to form crescent shapes. Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
7. Cool and Store: After dusting, transfer the Vanillekipferl to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, allowing their flavors to develop even further. Enjoy your delightful nutty crescents!

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Springerle: The Anise-Infused Cookies

Springerle are traditional German cookies that are distinctively flavored with anise and typically feature intricate designs imprinted on their surface. These delightful, crisp cookies are a staple during the Christmas season and are often enjoyed with coffee or tea. The key to their unique flavor lies in the anise seeds, which provide a sweet, aromatic essence that pairs beautifully with the tender texture of the cookie.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Anise: In a small bowl, crush the anise seeds slightly using a mortar and pestle or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin. This helps release their flavor.
2. Mix the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer or whisk until they are frothy. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix until the mixture is thick and pale, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the crushed anise seeds, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the egg and sugar mixture, ensuring that these ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle.
6. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.
7. Make the Imprints: Use Springerle molds or cookie stamps to press designs into the rolled-out dough. If you don’t have molds, you can use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
8. Let the Cookies Rest: Place the imprinted cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Allow them to rest for about 30-60 minutes; this resting time helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes. They should be pale and just firm to the touch when done. Be careful not to over-bake.
10. Cool and Dust: Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving or storing.
11. Store the Cookies: Store the Springerle in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be enjoyed immediately but will taste even better after a few days as the flavors develop. Enjoy your festive anise-infused cookies!

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Zimtsterne: The Cinnamon Stars

Zimtsterne, or Cinnamon Stars, are a beloved German Christmas cookie that combines ground almonds, egg whites, and a generous amount of aromatic cinnamon. These delightful star-shaped cookies boast a unique chewy texture and a sweet, spiced flavor that makes them a favorite during the holiday season. Often decorated with a light, glossy icing, Zimtsterne not only taste delicious but also make for a beautiful addition to any festive cookie platter.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well to verify all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Whip the Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. When the egg whites are ready, they should be glossy and hold their shape.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the egg whites into the almond mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites; your goal is to create a light and airy dough.
5. Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Dust your work surface with powdered sugar, then divide the dough in half. Roll out one half to about 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough is sticky, use more powdered sugar as needed.
7. Cut into Stars: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies from the rolled dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain soft in the center.
9. Make the Icing: While the cookies are baking, prepare the icing by mixing the additional powdered sugar with a small amount of water until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency.
10. Cool and Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled completely, use a small spatula or knife to spread the icing over the cookies. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Zimtsterne cookies with friends and family throughout the holiday season!

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Engele: The Sweet Angel Cookies

Engele, or Sweet Angel Cookies, are a traditional German treat that adds a delightful touch to any Christmas cookie platter. These soft, fragrant cookies, often enriched with honey and spices, are typically shaped like angels or other festive forms. Their delightful sweetness and intricate flavors make them a cherished favorite during the holiday season.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. This guarantees that the spices are evenly dispersed throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Honey: Beat in the egg, honey, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
5. Combine With Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, just combine until no flour streaks remain.
6. Shape the Cookies: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters shaped like angels or any desired shape to cut out the cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain soft in the center but set on the edges.
8. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Icing: Once cooled, prepare the icing by mixing the icing sugar with a small amount of milk until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
10. Decorate: Use a piping bag or a small spoon to decorate the cooled cookies with icing as desired. You can add additional decorations such as sprinkles if you like.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated Engele cookies during the holiday season or share them with friends and family for a delightful treat!

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Pfeffernüsse: The Spiced Pepper Nuts

Pfeffernüsse, or Spiced Pepper Nuts, are a traditional German Christmas cookie known for their robust spiced flavor and chewy texture. These little round treats are often rolled in powdered sugar after baking, offering a delightful sweetness that complements their aromatic spices. Pfeffernüsse are deeply rooted in festive traditions and are perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground white pepper. Whisk together until well-mixed.
3. Cream Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the honey, molasses, and egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be well combined without any dry flour remaining.
6. Shape the Cookies: Take small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and set but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up once cooled.
8. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust with Icing Sugar: Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in icing sugar to create a beautiful snowy finish, giving them that festive touch.
10. Serve or Store: Enjoy your Pfeffernüsse immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to a week to let the flavors develop even further.

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Butterplätzchen: The Buttery Cookies

Butterplätzchen, or Buttery Cookies, are a classic treat enjoyed during the Christmas season in Germany. These delicate and sweet cookies are known for their rich buttery flavor and tender crumb, making them a staple of holiday cookie trays. They can be shaped and decorated in various forms, often adorned with colorful sprinkles or icing, making them as festive as they are delicious.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be smooth and homogeneous.
6. Roll and Cut Cookies: Lightly flour your work surface. Scoop out portions of dough and roll them out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes, and place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
7. Decorate (optional): If desired, sprinkle colored jimmies or drizzle icing sugar over the cookies before baking to add a festive touch.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy Your Butterplätzchen: Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Butterplätzchen cookies as a festive treat or share them with friends and family throughout the holiday season!

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Kokosmakronen: The Chewy Coconut Macaroons

Kokosmakronen, or Chewy Coconut Macaroons, are a delightful German Christmas treat made primarily with shredded coconut. These sweet, chewy cookies have a beautiful golden exterior and a moist, coconut-filled center. They are typically enjoyed during the holiday season and are a great addition to any festive cookie platter. Simple to prepare, these macaroons can be dipped in chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Coconut and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This means the egg whites should hold their shape when you pull the beaters out of the mixture.
4. Add Flavorings: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt into the whipped egg whites.
5. Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the coconut-sugar mixture into the egg whites using a spatula. Be gentle to maintain the volume of the egg whites while ensuring everything is well blended.
6. Shape Macaroons: Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to form tablespoon-sized mounds of the mixture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each mound as they will expand slightly while baking.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden brown. The bottoms should be set, but the centers will remain chewy.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the macaroons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Chocolate Dip (optional): If desired, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave or double boiler. Once the macaroons are cooled, dip the bottom half into the melted chocolate and place them back on the parchment paper to set.
10. Enjoy: Allow the chocolate to firm up before enjoying your delicious Kokosmakronen with a cup of tea or coffee.

These delightful coconut macaroons are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!

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Christstollen: The Traditional Christmas Cake

Christstollen, a traditional German Christmas cake, is a rich and flavorful dessert that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This yeast-leavened cake is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is typically dusted with powdered sugar to give it a festive appearance. Stollen is known for its dense and moist texture, making it a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and lemon zest. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the wet ingredients and mix well.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix using a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
5. Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the dried fruit mixture and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
8. Shape the Stollen: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Form it into an oval shape and fold one side over to create a slight hump. This shape is characteristic of traditional stollen.
9. Second Rise: Place the shaped stollen on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it lightly and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Bake: After the second rise, bake the stollen in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove the stollen from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Christstollen as a festive centerpiece for your holiday table!

Spekulatius: The Spiced Windmill Cookies

Spekulatius are traditional German spiced cookies, typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. These delicious, crisp cookies are characterized by their warm blend of spices—primarily cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—and are often stamped with intricate windmill designs or festive motifs using a specially carved mold. The unique flavors and charming shapes make Spekulatius a beloved holiday treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Incorporate Almonds: Fold in the finely chopped almonds to the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. This will make the dough easier to work with.
7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll and Cut the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. If using a cookie mold, press the dough firmly into the mold to imprint the design. Alternatively, you can use cookie cutters for different shapes.
9. Bake the Cookies: Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Spekulatius cookies with a warm beverage or store them in an airtight container for later.