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During the holiday season, town squares all over Germany are aglow with festive holiday markets. The Christmas tradition from across the globe includes twinkling lights, Christmas decorations, and plenty of tasty German Christmas treats. It might seem like something straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, but you can get in on the holiday magic by baking a batch of your own German Christmas cookies right at home. Here, weve found delectable Christmas cookie recipes inspired by the traditional cookies you might find at those European markets, including show-stopping sandwich cookies, ginger cookies, buttery almond cookies, and more.
Whether youre looking for a recipe you remember as kid or you just want to fill your Christmas cookie plate with something different, these German Christmas cookies are worth adding to your holiday baking list. Try the star-shaped zimtstern or pfeffernüsse for something warmly spiced. While some of these cookies might be difficult to pronounce, you can rest assured that they’re all incredibly easy to make at home. So go ahead, grab your best cookie sheets, and get baking! Because Christmas will be here before you know it! For more cookie-baking inspiration, check out our list of Christmas cookie decorating ideas.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
These cinnamon star cookies are soft and chewy thanks to a thin layer of meringue on top. Theyre traditionally made with almonds, but this pistachio version is just so tasty!
Inspired by Vanillekipferl, these nutty, tender cookies will practically melt in your mouth. The traditional version is dipped in vanilla sugar but regular powdered sugar works well too.
These buttery almond cookies require a cookie press to stamp out the shapes. Its easy to use and your kids will even enjoy helping make them, too!
In German, the word “kulleraugen” means “googly eyes,” referring to the way these cookies look. For Christmas, we like using a red raspberry jam, but you can fill them with any flavor jam you like best.
This traditional German cookie is one of the most popular around Christmastime because it has those classic gingerbread flavors. The soft, chewy, and lightly glazed treats are a must-have for your cookie plate.
Get the Lebkuchen recipe at A Beautiful Plate. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
These German spice cookies have a distinct kick from ground pepper and a hint of sweet licorice flavor thanks to the anise extract. If you cant find the extract, use 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seed instead.
Get the Pfeffernusse recipe at Preppy Kitchen. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Another anise-flavored cookie is the springerle, which is known for an embossed design. These cookies have been around for centuries and youll still find them to be a popular holiday treat.
Get the Springerle recipe at The Daring Gourmet. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Lebkuchen are an integral part of the German Christmas, and all Christmas markets in the country bask in the irresistible aroma of Germany’s favorite cookie.
German Coconut Macaroons (Kokosmakronen)
It doesnt have to be Christmas to make these easy, one-bowl macaroons. They come together quickly with just 6 ingredients!
Get the German Coconut Macaroons recipe at The Floured Table. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
German Hazelnut Macaroons (Haselnussmakronen)
Yes, we know “Haselnussmakronen” sounds like a mouthful, but it simply breaks down to hasel meaning hazel, nuss meaning nut, and markronen meaning macaroon.
Get the German Hazelnut Macaroon recipe at The Toasty Kitchen. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Traditionally, stollen is a yeasted sweet bread made with dried fruit and nuts. But this twist turns the classic Christmas dessert into a cookie instead. Its sure to become a new favorite.
Get the Stollen Balls recipe at Red Currant Bakery. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
These cookies are made up of three delicious layers: a buttery shortbread, a sweet apricot jam, and a crunchy caramelized hazelnut topping.
Get the Nut Corners (Nussecken) recipe at Plated Cravings. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
You can find this treat at a Christmas market in Frankfurt or bake your own in just 20 minutes at home! Theyre crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and studded with crunchy almonds.
Get the Marizpan Cookies (Bethmannchen) recipe at Veggie Desserts. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
You may recognize these jam-filled sandwich cookies from the Linzer Cookies we know and love. The German version is called Spitzbuben and its perfect for Christmas!
Get the Spitzbuben recipe at Days of Jay. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
During the busy holiday season, we love any cookie recipe that can be made ahead of time, like these almond-flavored cookies dipped in chocolate. They can keep in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks.
Get the Almond Horns (Mandelhörnchen) recipe at Texanerin Baking. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Pfeffernuesse – Authentic German Christmas Cookies aka pepper nuts
FAQ
What is the most popular cookie in Germany?
What are German spice cookies called?
What does pfeffernüsse mean in German?
What is the difference between pfeffernüsse and Lebkuchen?
What is a German cookie?
The Lebkuchen, or gingerbread cookie, is the country’s favorite cookie! The shortbread style cookie with jam is often referred to as traditional German biscuits. Popular German cookies have a variety of toppings from sprinkles, to nuts to icing. The scents of cinnamon, ginger, anise and chocolate from German cookie recipes will fill the home!
What cookies are made in Germany?
The cookie assortment in Germany ranges from crisp wafer creations to rich butter cookies layered or glazed with delicious chocolate. The cookies come in various shapes, some of which are unique to the respective companies (a popular example would be the Bahlsen butter cookie with its 52 “teeth”).
What are German butter s Cookies?
German Butter S Cookies German Butter “S” cookies are soft, buttery, flaky, and downright delicious. You can easily tell them apart from other cookies because of their iconic “S” shape, which is believed to stand for the region where it originated – Swabia.
What are checker cookies called in German?
In German, they’re called Schwarz-Weiß-Gebäck, meaning black and white baked goods. I will also show you how to turn the same recipe into checker cookies, which is the pattern my Oma preferred. Checker cookies take a little longer to make, but are super impressive for anyone coming over for a coffee or when gifting them.