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?

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

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

1. Almond Bars (Mandelkekse)  

Mandelkekse, almond bars 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. 

2. Bethmännchen (Little Bethmanns)

Bethmännchen are delicate almond-topped marzipan cookies traditional in Frankfurt. Made with just a few ingredients—marzipan, powdered sugar, egg, almonds, flour, and milk—they're simple yet elegant. 

3. Glühweinplätzchen (Mulled Wine Cookies) 

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!

4. 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.

5. Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread Cookies) 

These soft, spiced cookies are the heart and soul of German Christmas markets. Lebkuchen cookies can be enjoyed plain, with added nuts, or even decorated with royal icing.

6. Nussecken (Nut Corners)  

Nut Corners are a decadent combination of shortcrust pastry, a layer of apricot jam, and a caramelized nut topping, all dipped in chocolate. Nussecken make a great gift wrapped up in festive tins!

7. Räderkuchen (Wheel Cakes)  

These deep-fried donut-like cookies are sprinkled with sugar or a sugar & cinnamon mix. Räderkuchen are the perfect tea-dippers and disappear from the cookie platter faster than you can say Frohe Weihnachten!  

8. Spritz Cookies (Spritzgebäck)

Spritzgebäck are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are piped into festive shapes like stars and wreaths. They’re simple, delicious, and versatile. Dip the ends in chocolate or sprinkle them with colored sugar for an extra festive touch.

9. Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescents)

Popular throughout Germany, vanillekipferl are especially enjoyed during the Christmas season. These crescent-shaped cookies are so buttery and tender.

10. Weihnachtskekse (Christmas Cookies)

The timeless Weihnachtskekse, German Christmas cookies are simple, 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. 

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.