10 Easy Traditional German Christmas Cookie Recipes

by: Gerhild Fulson  /  Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

Ah, German Christmas cookie recipes! Ah, the sweet smell of cookies baking in the oven—there’s nothing that says Christmas is coming quite like it, is there? As an Oma, I’ve spent many years rolling out dough, sprinkling sugar, and watching my kitchen turn into a flour-dusted wonderland. 

Today, I’m inviting you to join me in this tradition by sharing 10 of my favorite German Christmas cookie recipes.

So, pour yourself a cup of coffee or glühwein, and let’s create some memories together this Christmas time!

Almond Bars (Mandelkekse)  

Mandelkekse are simple yet elegant almond bars that look beautiful on a cookie platter. They start with a buttery shortbread base, topped with almond slivers, and finished with a drizzle of chocolate or almond icing. These almond bars are perfect if you’re looking for a cookie that’s not overly sweet but still rich and satisfying. 

Bethmännchen (Little Bethmanns)

These delicate almond-topped marzipan cookies are a traditional recipe from Frankfurt. Made with just a few ingredients—marzipan, powdered sugar, egg, almonds, flour, and milk—they're simple yet elegant. The three almond halves on top traditionally symbolize the three sons of the Bethmann family, hence the name for these cookies, Bethmännchen.

Glühweinplätzchen (Mulled Wine Cookies) 

A cookie that's really a bar cake, with a grown-up twist. These are flavored with glühwein (recipe included) and chocolate. These cookies pair beautifully with—you guessed it—a steaming cup of mulled wine. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can drizzle these glühweinplätzchen with a glaze made from powdered sugar and glühwein for an extra kick.

Hazelnut Macaroons (Haselnussmakronen)

If you love nuts, you’ll really love Haselnussmakronen. These chewy cookies are made with ground hazelnuts, egg whites, cinnamon, lemon juice, and sugar, topped with a whole hazelnut for a decorative touch. They’re naturally gluten-free and so easy to make. These hazelnut macaroons are also a great way to use up leftover egg whites if you’ve been baking other cookies.

Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread Cookies) 

These soft, spiced cookies are the heart and soul of German Christmas markets. Whether glazed with sugar or dipped in chocolate, they’re a must-have on every cookie tray. I love how versatile these lebkuchen cookies are—you can make them plain, add nuts, or even decorate them with royal icing.

Nussecken (Nut Corners)  

Nut Corners are a decadent combination of shortcrust pastry, a layer of apricot jam, and a caramelized nut topping. Once baked, they’re cut into triangles and dipped in chocolate. These are a little more time-intensive, but they’re worth every moment. Nussecken also make a great gift wrapped up in festive tins!

Räderkuchen (Wheel Cakes)  

Räderkuchen are a delightful, old-fashioned German treat that I remember my Mutti making. These deep-fried donut-like cookies are sprinkled with sugar or a sugar & cinnamon mix. They’re perfect for dipping into a cup of coffee or tea, and räderkuchen disappear from the cookie platter faster than you can say Frohe Weihnachten!  

Spritz Cookies (Spritzgebäck)

Spritzgebäck are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are piped into festive shapes like stars and wreaths. They’re a staple in German households during Christmas, and for good reason—they’re simple, delicious, and versatile. I like to dip the ends in chocolate or sprinkle them with colored sugar for an extra festive touch. Spritz cookies are perfect for the grandkids to help with... even if one ends up with a few wobbly stars that taste just as good a perfect cookie!

Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescents)

These crescent-shaped cookies are so buttery and tender, they practically melt in your mouth. Made with ground almonds or hazelnuts and rolled in vanilla sugar, they’re a crowd favorite in my family. Popular throughout Germany, vanillekipferl are especially enjoyed during the Christmas season.

Weihnachtskekse (Christmas Cookies)

These classic German Christmas cookies are simple, buttery cutout sugar cookies perfect for holiday decorating. With a tender texture and lightly sweet flavor, they’re ideal for enjoying plain or topped with your favorite icing. A timeless recipe for Weihnachtskekse that’s fun to make different shapes with cookie cutters!

The best part of baking these traditional German cookies isn’t just the delicious results—it’s the time spent together, laughing, chatting, and sneaking a few bites of dough.

Most of these traditional cookies will keep in an airtight container or cookie tins in a cool place or even at room temperature, so you can make them in advance of the holiday season.

Whether it's your first time baking with family, friends, or on your own with some festive music playing in the background, I hope these recipes bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me over the years. And perhaps you'll find a new favourite Christmas cookie?

So, preheat your oven, dust off your rolling pin, and let’s get baking some traditional German Christmas cookies. Frohe Weihnachten. 🎄🍪

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.