Love authentic German Christmas cookies? This straightforward recipe makes it easy to bake them at home. It's not just fun—it's especially delightful with kids, who enjoy cutting shapes and decorating. These treats are special, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays.
Christmas holds a central place in German culture, especially in the Catholic south. December 24th is the pinnacle, with families attending midnight mass after a traditional feast featuring Christmas goose. Of course, homemade Christmas cookies are a must.
Born in Germany and raised there until age 10, I fondly recall helping my mother bake as a child. I've carried on this tradition with my own family. Though my teens now skip the baking and head straight for eating, even 200+ cookies vanish within a week.
In the Netherlands, baking ingredients can be pricey. If possible, shop in Germany—flour costs under €0.50 per pack, and ground almonds, hazelnuts, baking powder, and butter are far cheaper. Check current German supermarket flyers; it's always worth the trip.
Print Recipe
German Christmas Cookies
Preparation: 10 min
Baking time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Dish: Snack
Cuisine: German
Servings: 150
Ingredients
Instructions
Let the butter reach room temperature for easier kneading.
Mix flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and ground almonds.
Add butter, sugar, and eggs. Knead into a dough by hand. If too dry, add a tablespoon of milk.
Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough thinly.
Cut out shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking tray (cookies will spread).
Preheat oven to 175°C.
Bake in the middle rack for about 10 minutes. Check midway—remove when bottoms are lightly browned.
Bake remaining dough and cool cookies completely.
Prepare decorations while cooling. Make glaze only after cookies are fully cooled.
Decorate to your taste.
Traditional icing: Sift 150 grams powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons water or lemon juice. Stir until smooth; add water if needed.
For chocolate glaze, use less sugar and add 2 tablespoons cocoa.
Colored glaze: Reduce water, add food coloring drops or paste.
Real chocolate glaze: Melt 100g dark chocolate au bain-marie and dip or coat cookies.
For filled cookies, spread jam on one and top with another matching shape.
Get creative with icing, sprinkles, Smarties, or candies.
Store in an airtight container in a cool place. They keep at least a week.
Have you tried this recipe? Do you bake your own Christmas cookies or buy them?
