Classic German Lebkuchen Cookies
Classic German Lebkuchen Cookies are a festive treat traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. Originating from Nuremberg, these spiced cookies have a rich, aromatic flavor blend of honey, nuts, and warm spices, often finished with a sweet glaze or chocolate coating. Their soft and chewy texture makes them a favorite for holiday cookie platters and they are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a warm cup of tea or cocoa.
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| Honey |
1 cup |
| Brown sugar |
1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar |
1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter |
3/4 cup (softened) |
| Eggs |
2 large |
| Ground cinnamon |
2 teaspoons |
| Ground ginger |
1 teaspoon |
| Ground cloves |
1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder |
1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour |
4 cups |
| Ground almonds or walnuts |
1 cup |
| Candied citrus peel (finely chopped) |
1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar (for icing) |
1 cup |
| Milk or water (for icing) |
2-3 tablespoons |
| Dark chocolate (optional, for coating) |
1 cup |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the sugars are fully dissolved.
- Cream the Butter: Add the softened unsalted butter to the mixture and beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, baking powder, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
- Add Nuts and Peel: Fold in the ground almonds or walnuts and the candied citrus peel into the dough. The dough should be sticky and thick.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Lightly dust your workspace with flour. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out small balls of cookie dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Remove the cookies 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.
- Prepare Icing (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk or water to create a smooth icing. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies or dip them into melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Store or Serve: Store the Lebkuchen cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They taste even better after a few days, allowing the flavors to meld. Enjoy this classic holiday treat with loved ones!
Tender Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies
Tender Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies are delightful, spiced cookies that are a classic holiday treat, often enjoyed throughout Europe during the Christmas season. These small, round cookies are flavored with a blend of warm spices, including pepper, which gives them a unique and aromatic flavor. They are typically coated with a sweet icing, making them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or a wonderful gift for friends and family.
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
4 cups |
| Ground spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper) |
2 tablespoons |
| Baking powder |
1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda |
1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) |
1 cup |
| Brown sugar |
1 cup |
| Granulated sugar |
1/2 cup |
| Honey |
1/2 cup |
| Eggs |
1 large |
| Powdered sugar (for icing) |
1 cup |
| Milk or water (for icing) |
2-3 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract |
1 teaspoon |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground spices, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Honey and Egg: Mix in the honey and the large egg into the butter-sugar mixture, blending until well combined. Add vanilla extract and mix to incorporate.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and a little sticky.
- Shape Cookies: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The centers may look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Ice Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or dip them into the prepared icing. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing the cookies.
These Tender Pfeffernüsse Spice Cookies will fill your home with delightful holiday scents and are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering!
Festive Springerle Cookies
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
4 cups |
| Powdered sugar |
2 cups |
| Large eggs |
3 |
| Baking powder |
1 teaspoon |
| Anise extract |
1 tablespoon |
| Salt |
1/2 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds (optional) |
1 tablespoon (crushed) |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. If you’re using fennel seeds, add them to the dry mixture.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed. Continue until the mixture is thick and pale, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Anise Extract: Once the egg and sugar mixture is ready, add the anise extract and mix well to combine.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the egg-sugar mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Roll Out the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Mold the Cookies: Use traditional Springerle molds to press designs into the rolled-out dough. If you don’t have molds, you can use cookie cutters instead.
- Cut and Place on Baking Sheet: Cut the cookies out based on the designs and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Rest Cookies: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking. This helps the surface to firm up and maintain their shape while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain pale.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Store: After the cookies have cooled, store them in an airtight container. They can last for several weeks, allowing their flavors to develop further. Enjoy their festive charm during the holiday season!
Delicious Stollen Bites
Stollen bites are delightful, miniature versions of the traditional German Christmas bread, Stollen. These sweet treats are packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, all wrapped in a soft, rich dough. Perfect for sharing or for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, these bites capture the essence of festive baking and are sure to become a holiday favorite.
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
4 cups |
| Granulated sugar |
1 cup |
| Yeast (active dry) |
2 teaspoons |
| Milk (warm) |
1 cup |
| Butter (unsalted, melted) |
1/2 cup |
| Eggs |
2 large |
| Ground nutmeg |
1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon |
1 teaspoon |
| Salt |
1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried mixed fruit (raisins, currants, etc.) |
1 cup |
| Almonds (chopped) |
1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) |
As needed |
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the melted butter and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Once the dough is kneaded, fold in the dried mixed fruits and chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces (about the size of a golf ball). Shape each piece into a small oval and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped Stollen bites with the towel again and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Stollen bites in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Stollen bites cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the bites have cooled completely, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that classic festive touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: These delightful Stollen bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for several days, and enjoy them throughout the holiday season!
Traditional Vanillekipferl Almond Cookies
Traditional Vanillekipferl are beloved Austrian almond cookies that symbolize the holiday spirit. These crescent-shaped treats are characterized by their delicate texture and luscious vanilla flavor, enhanced by a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect with coffee or tea, they not only appeal to the taste buds but also add warmth to the festive atmosphere.
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
2 cups |
| Ground almonds |
1 cup |
| Unsalted butter |
1 cup |
| Granulated sugar |
1/3 cup |
| Powdered sugar |
For dusting |
| Vanilla extract |
1 teaspoon |
| Egg yolks |
2 large |
| Salt |
1/4 teaspoon |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and blend until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually sift the flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the Cookies: After chilling, take small portions of the dough and roll them into small logs. Then, bend each log to form a crescent shape. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- 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 burning.
- Cool and Dust: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, generously dust them with powdered sugar for that signature sweet finish.
- Store and Enjoy: Store the Vanillekipferl in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy them as a festive treat during the holiday season!
Chewy German Chocolate Cookies
Chewy German Chocolate Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic German chocolate cake. These cookies feature a rich chocolate flavor combined with sweet coconut and crunchy pecans, creating a chewy textured treat that’s perfect for any holiday gathering or snack time. With their indulgent ingredients, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
1 ½ cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder |
½ cup |
| Baking soda |
1 teaspoon |
| Salt |
½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter |
½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar |
1 cup |
| Brown sugar |
¾ cup |
| Large eggs |
2 |
| Vanilla extract |
1 teaspoon |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips |
1 cup |
| Sweetened shredded coconut |
1 cup |
| Chopped pecans |
½ cup |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and beat for an additional minute until completely incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips, Coconut, and Pecans: Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store and Enjoy: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing during the festive season or enjoying with a cup of coffee!
Irresistible Speculoos Cookies
Irresistible Speculoos Cookies are a traditional spiced shortcrust biscuit that hails from Belgium and the Netherlands. These cookies boast a deep caramel flavor and are wonderfully aromatic due to a blend of warm spices. Often associated with the holiday season, Speculoos cookies are not only delicious with hot beverages but also perfect for gifting during the festive period.
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
2 cups |
| Ground cinnamon |
2 teaspoons |
| Ground nutmeg |
1 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger |
1 teaspoon |
| Ground cloves |
½ teaspoon |
| Baking powder |
1 teaspoon |
| Salt |
½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened |
½ cup (1 stick) |
| Brown sugar |
1 cup |
| Granulated sugar |
½ cup |
| Large egg |
1 |
| Vanilla extract |
1 teaspoon |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically around 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want just a combined consistency.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or alternatively, form the dough into small balls and flatten them.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cut cookies or flattened balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy or Store: Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Speculoos cookies with coffee or tea, or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh!
Berliner Krapfen Filled Cookies
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder |
1 teaspoon |
| Salt |
½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened |
½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar |
¾ cup |
| Large egg |
1 |
| Milk |
½ cup |
| Vanilla extract |
1 teaspoon |
| Fruit jam (e.g., raspberry or apricot) |
½ cup |
| Powdered sugar for dusting |
As needed |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Milk: Beat in the large egg, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want the dough to be soft yet manageable.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Shape Cookies: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between for spreading.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. This is where the jam will go.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of fruit jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Dust: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Enjoy the Berliner Krapfen filled cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container for later. They make a wonderful treat for the holidays!
Nutty Hazelnut Spritz Cookies
Nutty Hazelnut Spritz Cookies are a delightful variation of the classic spritz cookies, infused with the rich flavor of roasted hazelnuts. These cookies are not only easy to prepare but also create a festive and elegant treat for the holiday season, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. With their buttery texture and nutty aroma, they make for an irresistible addition to any holiday cookie platter.
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| Unsalted butter |
1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar |
¾ cup |
| Egg |
1 large |
| Vanilla extract |
1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour |
2 cups |
| Ground hazelnuts |
½ cup |
| Baking powder |
½ teaspoon |
| Salt |
¼ teaspoon |
| Optional: Additional hazelnuts for decoration |
As needed |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully combined and fluffy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Prepare Cookie Press: If using a cookie press, fill it with the dough as per the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have a cookie press, you can also use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to pipe out the cookies.
- Pipe Cookies: On the prepared baking sheets, pipe the dough into your desired shapes (e.g., rosettes or S-shapes), spacing them about 1 inch apart. If desired, press a whole hazelnut into the center of each cookie for decoration.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: After the cookies have cooled, serve them as a festive treat or store them in an airtight container. Enjoy these delightful nutty hazelnut spritz cookies during the holiday season!
Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread Men
Sweet and Spicy Gingerbread Men are a classic holiday treat that embodies the essence of the festive season. These charming cookies are made with a blend of warm spices and molasses, resulting in a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Perfect for decorating with icing and candies, Gingerbread Men are not only fun to bake but also a great activity for the whole family, creating lasting memories during the holiday festivities.
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
3 ¼ cups |
| Baking soda |
1 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger |
1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon |
1 tablespoon |
| Ground nutmeg |
½ teaspoon |
| Ground cloves |
¼ teaspoon |
| Salt |
½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter |
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) |
| Dark brown sugar |
¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar |
½ cup |
| Egg |
1 large |
| Unsulfured molasses |
½ cup |
| Optional: Royal icing for decoration |
As needed |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to guarantee easy removal of the cookies after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Egg and Molasses: Add the large egg and unsulfured molasses to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two or three portions, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. This will make it easier to roll out the dough.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated until ready to use.
- Cut Out Shapes: Using a gingerbread man cookie cutter, cut shapes from the rolled-out dough. Transfer the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are just set. Be careful not to overbake them.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, you can decorate your Gingerbread Men with royal icing, candies, or any other decorations of your choice. Let the icing set before enjoying or packaging them as gifts!
Creamy Butterrauchen Cookies
Creamy Butterrauchen Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings rich flavors and a melt-in-the-mouth texture to your festive cookie platter. These buttery cookies, infused with a subtle hint of smokiness and sweetness, make for a perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or cocoa during the winter season. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, they are sure to become a favorite holiday tradition!
| Ingredients |
Quantity |
| All-purpose flour |
2 cups |
| Unsalted butter |
1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar |
¾ cup |
| Brown sugar |
½ cup |
| Egg |
1 large |
| Vanilla extract |
1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder |
1 teaspoon |
| Salt |
½ teaspoon |
| Crushed almonds (optional) |
½ cup |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) |
As needed |
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. If you’re adding crushed almonds, fold them in at this stage.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten them with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy your Creamy Butterrauchen Cookies!