Calling all cookie lovers! Below are 15 delicious German cookie recipes worth trying. From classic Christmas favorites to treats enjoyed year-round, there’s something for every baker and every taste.
15 German Cookie Recipes You Need To Try!
If you love cookies, these German recipes should be on your baking list. There are plenty of tasty options below — the hardest part will be deciding which to bake first!
Germany is famous for its Christmas cookie traditions, so many of these recipes are commonly made for the holidays. Platters of assorted German cookies are a cherished part of the season and pair beautifully with a warm mug of mulled wine or a non-alcoholic punch. That said, cookies have no season — enjoy these recipes all year long.
Ready to browse the selection? Let’s get baking!
Kokosmakronen (German Coconut Macaroons)
Kokosmakronen (German Coconut Macaroons): Light, airy coconut meringue cookies with a soft, chewy center and slightly crisp exterior. A classic German Christmas bake, they’re also delightful with a chocolate drizzle.
Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Almond Crescent Cookies)
Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Almond Crescent Cookies): Delicate, buttery crescents made with ground almonds and real vanilla, generously dusted with powdered sugar. Though they originated in Austria, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are beloved in Germany, especially at Christmastime.
Pfeffernüsse (German Spice Cookies)
Pfeffernüsse (German Spice Cookies): Small spiced cookies whose name means “pepper nut.” They often include a touch of white pepper for warmth and are traditionally glazed. A festive favorite with deep holiday flavors.
Nussecken (German Nut Corners)
Nussecken (German Nut Corners): Triangle bars with a buttery shortbread base, a layer of apricot jam, and a caramelized hazelnut topping. Often dipped in chocolate on one or more corners — irresistible and rich in texture.
Spritzgebäck (German Spritz Cookies)
Spritzgebäck (German Spritz Cookies): Classic piped cookies made from a simple butter dough. They can be shaped with a press or piping bag into many decorative forms, and are perfect for gifting or decorating cookie plates.
Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Stars)
Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Stars): Iconic star-shaped cookies made with ground almonds, egg white, and plenty of cinnamon. They have a slightly chewy center, crisp edges, and a sweet meringue glaze — a holiday staple.
Lebkuchen (German Gingerbread)
Lebkuchen covers a wide range of gingerbread-style cookies, often rich with spices and nuts. Two popular variations include:
- Chocolate Lebkuchen: Gingerbread cookies with a chocolate twist, sometimes finished with a brandy glaze.
- Elisen Lebkuchen: A traditional Nuremberg-style Lebkuchen that often contains no flour and is packed with nuts, candied fruit, and warming spices.
Mandelhörnchen (Almond Horns)
Mandelhörnchen (Almond Horns): Chewy almond cookies coated in sliced almonds, with the tips dipped in chocolate. A crunchy, nutty treat that almond lovers will adore.
Spitzbuben (Jam Cookies)
Spitzbuben (Jam Cookies): Sandwiched hazelnut shortbread cookies filled with jam. Often made in festive shapes with a cutout on the top cookie to reveal the jam inside — simple, buttery, and nostalgic.
Ingwerplätchen (German Ginger Cookies)
Ingwerplätchen (German Ginger Cookies): A ginger-flavored sugar cookie distinct from lebkuchen, often cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bright ginger flavor and a crisp, tender crumb make these versatile and fun to decorate.
Bethmännchen (Marzipan Cookies)
Bethmännchen (Marzipan Cookies): A Frankfurt specialty featuring marzipan cookies that are firm outside, chewy inside, and traditionally topped with three almonds. They bring a lovely almond-forward sweetness and texture contrast.
Hausfreunde Cookies
Hausfreunde Cookies: Layered shortcrust pastry topped with apricot jam and almond paste, dipped in dark chocolate and finished with caramelized cashews. A refined cookie with contrasting textures and flavors.
Heidesand (Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies)
Heidesand: German shortbread made with nutty browned butter. These slice-and-bake cookies are easy to prepare and deliver a rich, buttery flavor with a crisp yet tender bite.
Haselnusstaschen (Hazelnut Meringue Filled Cookies)
Haselnusstaschen (Hazelnut Meringue Cookies): Elegant cookies featuring hazelnut shortbread filled with a light hazelnut meringue and studded with chocolate chips. They combine nutty richness with airy sweetness.
More German Treats To Try
- Spaghetti-Eis (German Spaghetti Ice Cream)
- German Waffles
- Milchreis (German Milk Rice Pudding)
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