22 Best German Cookies Recipes

Looking to add some German flair to your sweet treats? Look no further than these delicious German cookies! While German cuisine is often known for its savory dishes, it also boasts a wide variety of delectable cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking to impress your friends and family during the Christmas season or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth on a random weekday, these soft, crumbly, and mildly spiced cookies are the perfect choice. So why not bring a little bit of Oktoberfest into your home with these delightful German cookies?

Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

You can’t go wrong with Vanillekipferl, the German vanilla crescent cookies that are perfect for the holidays. These mini-croissant shaped cookies are loaded with nuts and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The snowy vanilla sugar dusting adds to their charm. The best part? You don’t have to wait for the holidays to make them since they only require basic ingredients.

German Hazelnut Cookies

German Hazelnut Cookies

If you’re a fan of Nutella, you’ll definitely want to try these German Hazelnut Cookies. These cookies have a buttery taste with a deliciously deep flavor from the toasted hazelnuts. They’re proof that chocolate doesn’t always have to be the star of every dessert. Don’t miss out on this amazing recipe! If you want to save it for later, simply enter your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.

Heidesand (Traditional German Browned Butter Shortbread Cookies)

Heidesand (Traditional German Browned Butter Shortbread Cookies)

If you’re a fan of shortbread cookies, you’ll love Heidesand. These cookies are made with browned butter, giving them a rich and nutty flavor. They’re a classic German treat that’s especially popular during the holidays. The name “heidesand” comes from the sandy texture of the cookies and their origin in the Luneburger Heide region. These cookies are perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee.

German Marzipan Cookies

German Marzipan Cookies

If you’re in the mood for a sweet and chewy treat, look no further than German Marzipan Cookies, also known as Bethmännchen. These cookies are made with marzipan and garnished with three almonds, giving them a unique and delicious flavor. Originally created in 1838 by French pastry chef Jean Jacques Gautenier for Simon Moritz von Bethmann, these cookies were originally studded with four almonds, one for each of Moritz’s sons. Today, they’re a popular treat in Germany, especially during Christmas. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying them any day of the year – they’re easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

German Butter S Cookies

German Butter S Cookies

German Butter S cookies are a classic treat that are soft, buttery, and flaky. The iconic “S” shape is said to represent the Swabia region where it originated. These cookies are made with simple pantry ingredients including flour, sugar, lemon, butter, and eggs. They are perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Here are some key features of German Butter S cookies:

  • Soft and buttery texture
  • Iconic “S” shape
  • Basic pantry ingredients
  • Perfect for any occasion

Enjoy these delicious cookies with friends and family or as a special treat for yourself.

German Hazelnut Macaroons

German Hazelnut Macaroons

Indulge in the sweet and nutty flavors of German Hazelnut Macaroons, a delightful treat that’s easy to whip up. Made with only four ingredients – egg whites, ground hazelnuts, whole hazelnuts, and sugar – these macaroons offer a crispy exterior and chewy interior that’s hard to resist. This recipe is perfect for using up extra egg whites in your fridge. Enjoy the addictive taste of these macaroons with a cup of coffee or tea.

Kipplens

Kipplens

If you’re looking for a delicious holiday cookie, you should try Kipplens. These German cookies are similar to pecan snowballs or Mexican wedding cakes, but they have a unique taste that sets them apart. Kipplens are mildly sweet and incredibly soft, making them the perfect treat to melt in your mouth. And with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, they look just like snowballs.

Amish Sugar Cookies

Amish Sugar Cookies

Indulge in the soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Amish sugar cookies. These buttery and sweet treats can be enjoyed plain or with a sugar glaze. With their minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re the perfect addition to any dessert table. Satisfy your sweet tooth and cure your sadness with these delectable cookies.

Springerle

Springerle

If you’re a fan of cookies, you’ll definitely want to try Springerle. These German cookies are named “little jumpers” because of their rising behavior while baking. What makes them extra special is the use of baker’s ammonia, which creates a honeycomb-like consistency that’s both crispy and chewy. While baker’s ammonia has a foul smell, it dissipates as the cookies bake, leaving behind a delicious aroma. Springerle cookies are flavored with star anise, adding a unique twist to their taste.

Here are some key points to remember about Springerle cookies:

  • Springerle cookies are German cookies.
  • They’re named “little jumpers” because of their rising behavior.
  • Baker’s ammonia is used to create a honeycomb-like consistency.
  • They have a unique taste thanks to the addition of star anise.
  • The smell of baker’s ammonia dissipates as the cookies bake.

Overall, Springerle cookies are a delicious and unique treat that’s definitely worth trying.

Walnut Shortbread (German Christmas Cookies)

Walnut Shortbread (German Christmas Cookies)

These German Christmas cookies, also known as Walnut Shortbread, are a delicious treat that are sure to bring joy to your holiday season. Made with flour, butter, sugar, and ground walnuts, these cookies are both crisp and buttery. The recipe is incredibly easy to follow and requires a variety of cookie cutters to create the perfect shape. While the recipe calls for circles, any holiday-themed cookie cutter shape can be used to add to the festive vibe.

Dominosteine (German Layered Christmas Cookie)

 Dominosteine (German Layered Christmas Cookie)

Dominosteine is a popular German Christmas cookie that was created in 1936 by chocolatier Herbert Wendler. The cookie is made up of layers of gingerbread and marzipan, covered in chocolate. During World War II, when food was scarce, Dominosteine became a popular replacement for praline. The original recipe has layers of marzipan and gingerbread, but the double-filled cookies, known as doppelt-gefüllte, have an added layer of orange or apricot jelly. These cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are sure to be a hit during the holiday season.

Linzer Cookies

Linzer Cookies

If you are looking for a delightful treat that is easy to make and full of flavor, then look no further than Linzer Cookies. These thin cookie sandwiches are filled with sweet and fruity jam, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The cinnamon and cloves in the cookies add a deep and warming flavor, while the almond flour and jam create a wonderful contrast. One of the best things about Linzer Cookies is that you can use any jam you like, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and colors. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to a festive gathering.

German Pepper Nut Cookies

German Pepper Nut Cookies

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious German cookie, look no further than Pfeffernusse. These round cookies are made with molasses and brown sugar, and are spiced with a combination of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, black pepper, and star anise. Despite the variety of spices, the flavors are well-balanced, resulting in a wonderfully sweet and perfectly spiced cookie. Not only do they taste great, but they also smell amazing!

Lebkuchen Cookies

Lebkuchen Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s perfect for the winter season, then elisenlebkuchen is a great choice. These cookies are soft, chewy, and nutty, thanks to the almonds and hazelnuts in the recipe. The spice mixture called Lebkuchengewürz adds a unique flavor to the cookies, which is a combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Lebkuchen cookies are typically served during Christmas, but they’re great for any cold wintery day. Top them off with a vanilla sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

If you’re looking for a delicious holiday treat, you can’t go wrong with German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies. These soft and tender star-shaped cookies are made with almonds and cinnamon, and are finished off with a sugar glaze. They make the perfect gift for family and friends during the holiday season. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed with this sublime combination of flavors.

Nut Corners (German Nussecken)

Nut Corners (German Nussecken)

Indulge in the delectable German Nussecken, a treat that comprises a layer of shortbread, apricot jam, and caramelized hazelnut. These triangular nut bars are dipped in chocolate, providing a delightful contrast of tastes and textures.

Cornflakes Cakes or Choco Crossies

Cornflakes Cakes or Choco Crossies

Looking for a quick and easy no-bake cookie recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Choco Crossies! Made with a combination of cornflakes, coconut, and chocolate, these crunchy and chocolatey treats are sure to become a favorite. Just be warned, they’re seriously addictive! Consider doubling the recipe to ensure you have enough to share.

German Chocolate Macaroons

German Chocolate Macaroons

If you’re a fan of German chocolate cake, you’re in for a treat with these macaroons! These delightful bites are made with chocolate cake, caramel, coconut, and pecan frosting, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The combination of decadent chocolate, gooey caramel, fluffy pecan frosting, and nutty coconut creates an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. These macaroons take an already wonderful confection and elevate it into an even more spectacular treat. Indulge in the different levels of sweetness and enjoy the happiness in every bite!

German Spice Cookies (Spekulatius)

German Spice Cookies (Spekulatius)

If you’re looking for a unique and tasty cookie to enjoy during the holiday season, you should try German spice cookies, also known as Spekulatius. These shortcrust biscuits are traditionally made in wooden molds, giving them a distinct shape. Their thin and crunchy texture, combined with a delicious caramelized flavor, makes them a favorite among cookie lovers. While they may be available all year round in some places, in Germany, they are a special treat reserved for the Christmas season.

Spitzbuben

Spitzbuben

If you’re looking for a sweet and festive treat to enjoy during the holidays, you can’t go wrong with Spitzbuben. These buttery sandwich cookies are made with two layers of almond shortcrust pastry and filled with your favorite jam. They’re easy to make and perfect for giving as gifts. Plus, you can customize the flavor of the jam to suit your friends’ tastes. Don’t miss out on these irresistible cookies this holiday season!

Thumbprint Cookies/Angel Eyes

Thumbprint Cookies/Angel Eyes

Thumbprint cookies, also known as Angel Eyes, are a delightful treat that are easy to make and bursting with flavor. These jam-filled cookies are made with just five simple ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, egg, and jam. Here are some key points to keep in mind when making Thumbprint Cookies/Angel Eyes:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the egg and mix until well combined.
  • Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough comes together.
  • Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
  • Fill each indentation with jam.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Thumbprint Cookies/Angel Eyes are a classic treat that are sure to please. Try experimenting with different types of jam to find your favorite flavor combination.

Spritz Cookies

Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are soft and buttery sugar cookies that are irresistible. These cookies have a festive vibe that will bring major holiday feels. The name “spritz” comes from the German word “spritzen” which means “to squirt.” These cookies are made by squirting the dough through a cookie press to create charming shapes.

Summary

You have learned about the delicious world of German cookies. These cookies are known for their unique flavors and textures, such as the buttery and crumbly texture of the famous shortbread cookie, the rich chocolate flavor of the Black Forest cookie, and the spicy and nutty taste of the Lebkuchen cookie. German cookies are not only tasty, but they also have a rich history and are often enjoyed during the holiday season. Try making some of these cookies at home to experience the deliciousness of German baking.

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