German cuisine often brings to mind hearty sausages, schnitzel, and plenty of beer. But you really need to think about German Christmas cookies after reading this list.
There are 20 recipes here that are just as impressive as any savory dish.
You do not even have to know how to pronounce the names to enjoy them. There is a huge variety of textures and flavors ranging from spicy to chocolatey.
I am getting hungry just thinking about these sweets, so let us get straight to the baking.
1. Heidesand (Traditional German Browned Butter Shortbread Cookies)
You can bake 60 of these cookies in just 30 minutes. That is a lot of treats for very little work.
They are the most buttery shortbread cookies you will ever taste. If you love that warm butter flavor, then this is the recipe for you.
2. Authentic German Springerle
The name of these cookies translates to “little jumpers” because they tend to hop around the oven. You use a special rolling pin to create beautiful designs on the dough.
Expect delicate notes of anise and vanilla in every bite. People in Germany typically serve them around New Year’s and Christmas.
3. Vegan Nut Bars (Nussecken)
These dairy-free bars deliver a perfect mix of crispy and moist textures. They feature layers of apricot jam, dark chocolate, and caramelized hazelnuts.
You might want seconds, but they are so filling that one is enough. It takes about 45 minutes to make a dozen.
4. German Lebkuchen
These chocolatey treats are packed with nuts and spices. You need fewer than 10 ingredients to whip them up.
Each cookie features candied fruit and a rich chocolate coating. They take just over 30 minutes to prepare and bake.
5. German Walnut Shortbread Cookies
Fans of shortbread will adore this crunchy version. It uses simple pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour.
Chopped walnuts add a fantastic crunch to the buttery base. You also need a splash of vanilla extract to round out the flavor.
6. Stollen
This recipe perfectly blends sweet and tart flavors. It features marzipan, mixed fruit, and dried sour cherries.
Soaking the fruit in brandy creates a deep and rich flavor profile. You can substitute apple juice if you prefer.
7. Haselnussmakronen (German Hazelnut Macaroons)
These hazelnut macaroons are naturally free of gluten and dairy. You only need four simple ingredients to make them.
They take over an hour to prepare, but the result is worth it. The name literally means hazelnut macaroons.
8. Pfeffernusse
Do not worry about the difficult name. Just enjoy the spicy kick from white pepper and cloves.
A sweet white glaze of honey and powdered sugar balances the sharp spices. You will also taste notes of cinnamon and allspice.
9. German Spritz Cookies (Spritzgebäck)
My niece calls these “noodle cookies” because of their twisted shape. You can form them into letters like S or O.
Dip them in warm chocolate to make them even better. They are exceptionally tasty with or without the chocolate.
10. German Potato Cookies
Do not knock these until you try them. The recipe uses potato starch and icing sugar for a soft and chewy texture.
Use ube or pandan extract to add bright colors and flavor. They look very festive for the holidays.
11. Authentic Bethmännchen (German Marzipan Cookies)
These chewy marzipan delights are a holiday favorite. You can prep them in just five minutes.
Crunchy almonds and a splash of rose water add wonderful depth. They cook in only 15 minutes.
12. German Christmas Cardamom Cookies (Kardamon Plaetzchen)
These cookies offer a unique salty and floral flavor profile. You will taste distinct notes of rum, vanilla sugar, and cardamom.
Dip them in chocolate for an extra touch of decadence. They are great if you want interesting flavors.
13. Spekulatius
This is traditional shortbread with a serious spicy kick. The dough features white pepper, ginger, cloves, and cardamom.
Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while they bake. It really is a lot of spice.
14. Oatmeal Cookie Recipe (aka Haferflockenplätzchen)
These are not your typical oatmeal cookies. They feature chopped almonds and dried apricots for a fruity twist.
You will love the tangy flavor and chunky texture. It is a bit different from traditional recipes.
15. Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies)
You need star-shaped cutters for the traditional look. The dough tastes strongly of nuts and cinnamon.
A simple egg wash glaze finishes them off beautifully. You can make two dozen in roughly an hour.
16. Toasted Hazelnut Meringue Kisses
These meringue cookies are incredibly light and fluffy. You only need four ingredients to make them.
Enjoy the delicate flavor of sugar and nuts in every bite. They are some of the easiest cookies to make.
17. Vanillekipferl (Blue Moon Crescent Cookies)
These crescent-shaped treats are covered in powdered sugar. They have a mild nutty taste with just a hint of vanilla.
You need only seven ingredients to whip up a batch. It takes about 40 minutes plus chilling time.
18. German Coconut Macaroons Recipe (Kokosmakronen)
Coconut and cinnamon fans will love these macaroons. They have a fantastic texture that is chewy with a crunchy interior.
You can bake 40 of them in about 30 minutes. They are great for making in bulk.
19. No-Bake German Chocolate Cookie Cake
This recipe uses store-bought tea cookies to save time. It requires no baking and takes just 15 minutes to assemble.
The result is a rich treat packed with chocolate and rum. You slice them into rectangular shapes.
20. German Hazelnut Christmas Cookies
Grab your snowflake cutters for these nutty treats. You can have them ready in 30 minutes using just five ingredients.
They are crumbly and absolutely lovely. The dough uses hazelnut flour and regular flour.