Traditional German Christmas Cookies you need to try!

Welcome to the delicious world of German Christmas cookies. No need to scroll the internet to find the best German recipes because this is the only list you will need.

Christmas cookies belong to Advent in Germany, like red cabbage and the Christmas dinner. From aromatic Lebkuchen and enticing meringue-based cinnamon stars to rich butter cookies and marzipan. Let me help you fill up your cookie tin (affiliate link) with these delicious German Christmas cookie recipes:

1. German Gingerbread Cookies - (Lebkuchen)

Known as Lebkuchen, these German spiced cookies are a staple at Christmas markets, not only across Germany but worldwide. They embody all the things we love about Christmas: cozy comforts, gifting, traditions, and sharing time with loved ones. With origins dating back to the Middle Ages, these soft treats are a perfect example of classic German Christmas cookies. Homemade lebkuchen spice mix gives them a satisfyingly fragrant note. You can use German lebkuchen cookies to decorate your Christmas tree, package them in festive bags for a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply devour them on your own. Their long shelf life makes them perfect for storing in a cookie tin, where they’ll stay fresh for weeks.

There are several traditional Lebkuchen recipes - such as the Elisenlebkuchen from Nürenberg, Aachener Printen from Aachen, Lebkuchenherzen vom Munich, and the Lebkuchen Kekse which are perfect gingerbread cut-out cookies.

Here are the best Lebkuchen Cookie Recipes

2. Old Fashioned German Butter Cookies

Let's dial down the complexity and dial up the flavor with German Christmas butter cookies. Their buttery dough is simple yet versatile, giving them a rich flavorful base. Use a cookie cutter of choice to experiment with different shapes like stars, hearts, and Christmas trees, then brush them with egg yolk and finish off with sprinkles of choice if desired. These Butterplätzchen are the perfect cut-out cookies to get your children involved in baking.

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3. Schwarz-Weiß Gebäck (Vanilla and Chocolate Cookies)

If you're searching for authentic German vanilla and chocolate cookies, you've come to the right place! This recipe was passed down to me by my German baker uncle, Willehad, who sold these at his bakery in Bremen. I’ll share my top tips to help you master their intricate patterns with ease, whether you're going for the swirl, striped, chess, or marble version. Available all year round, these cookies are most popular around Christmas. Their crumbly texture makes them ideal for steaming tea or coffee.

Go to the Schwarzweiss Gebäck Recipe>

4. Spritzgebäck (German Spritz Cookies)

This traditional recipe for German spritz cookies packs in all the flavors without overcomplicating things. Starring pantry staples like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla, and cornstarch, they form a buttery dough that is piped into a circular shape (or another shape of your choice). You can customize them to taste with additions like almond extract (affiliate link), lemon, or orange zest. Check out the marzipan spritz cookies as a variation.

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5. Anise Drop German Christmas cookies

Originating in the Swabia region of Germany, these classic holiday cookies provide a distinct hit of licorice flavor thanks to ground anise. They are instantly recognizable thanks to their self-frosting top, a pillowy dome that forms during baking. Rich and fragrant, these German Christmas cookies with anise help bring that ultimate Christmas feel to every kitchen without sacrificing endless hours of preparation. Best news? My German anise cookies recipe uses just 5 ingredients for these cookies, making them budget-proof and fuss-free.

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6. Marzipan Cookies

Christmas would not be the same without marzipan. German marzipan is famous around the world, especially Lübecker marzipan. This is because German marzipan has a higher almond-to-sugar ratio, than what you can get in the UK or USA. But do not fret - here is a recipe on how to make your own German marzipan.

See below for the ultimate choice of German Marzipan Cookies to pick from.

7. German Coconut Macaroons (Kokosmakronen)

Put your leftover egg whites to good use and enjoy a festive treat at the same time with these fail-proof German coconut macaroons. In Germany, they're popular all year round, but never more so than in the round-up to Christmas. They contain three ingredients: shredded coconut, egg whites, and sugar. You can also use back oblaten wafers, a thin wafer used to make many German Christmas cookies like Lebkuchen. In this case, the back oblaten is optional as the cookie easily slides off the parchment paper without it. Customize these to taste with optional flavor add-ons like rum, lemon or orange peel, cinnamon, candied orange, or candied ginger.

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8. Spitzbuben (German Jam Cookies)

These sumptuous Spitzbuben cookies are filled with sweet-sour cherry jam which beautifully complements the coarse, crumbly texture of the ground hazelnut and flour base. They're then finished off with a light dusting of icing (powdered) sugar. Another classic holiday cookie, also known as "Linzer Cookies", "Hildabrötchen" or "Johannes Plätzchen" depending on the region. The term Spitzbuben dates back to the 19th century when the cookie was called a "spy" because the jam could be seen through the hole. For your own spin on the spy cookie adventure, you'll need just 6 ingredients (plus jam).

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9. Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

A welcome addition to any cookie plate, these crescent-shaped treats offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture that offers comfort on a new level. Originally from Vienna in Austria, Vanillekipferl is now a staple at German Christmas markets and is also available in German supermarkets. However, nothing is more satisfying than this homemade version. It's quick, simple, and fills your kitchen with the delightful aroma of fresh baking. You can bake them in advance and store them for up to four weeks or even freeze them for longer storage.

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