15 Authentic German Christmas Cookies That Will Transport You To A Cozy Christmas Market
Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.
There’s just something magical about filling the house with the warm, sweet aromas of freshly baked cookies during this special and festive time of year. German Christmas cookies have become some of our family’s absolute favorites.
With their rich history and unique flavors, these cookies bring a little extra holiday cheer. Making you feel as though you are strolling through a European Christmas market.
Baking Christmas cookies is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and every year, my family and I love trying out new cookie recipes to add to our festive collection. This list just keeps getting bigger.
So I’m sharing these time-tested treats that I think your family will love as much as mine. From Lebkuchen, a German gingerbread cookie, to buttery Spritz cookies, nutty crescents of Vanillekipferl, chewy Marzipan cookies and so many more.
While you can easily find them at Christmas markets in Germany, I think the real joy comes from making them at home with loved ones. Especially if you can’t pop overseas for the holidays.
The aromatic blend of spices like cinnamon, anise, clove, and ginger fills the kitchen making the baking process almost as enjoyable as eating them. These cookies are perfect for gifting, eating, or for Christmas party food.
Get the recipe: Lebkuchen German Christmas Cookies
2. Spitzbuben Cookies
Spitzbuben cookies are one of my favorite Christmas treats, with their delicate nutty shortbread and sweet layer of jam.
These German cookies are not only delicious but visually beautiful, thanks to the classic cutout on top that reveals the jam filling. They look wonderful on a holiday dessert table.
Traditionally made with ground hazelnuts or almonds, the crumbly texture pairs perfectly with the sweet-tartness of cherry jam or raspberry jam.
Dating back to the 19th century, these cookies are also known as Linzer cookies in Austria or Hildabrötchen in Southern Germany, depending on the region. Each carries its own unique history and charm.
Get the recipe: Spitzbuben Cookies
3. Nussecken (German Nut Corners)
Nussecken aka German Nut Corners are extra chewy and delicious.
They’re a traditional German sweet originating from the Bavaria region. These treats consist of a buttery shortbread base, a sweet layer of apricot jam, and a topping of caramelized nuts (usually hazelnuts or almonds), with the corners often dipped in chocolate.
Could there be anything better?
Maybe with a cup of our festive peppermint hot chocolate.
Get the recipe: Nussecken
4. Buttery Spritz Cookies
I’m always on the look out for cute Christmas shaped cookies. These Spritz Cookies are a treat (see what I did there ;).
Buttery, melt in your mouth classics that are fun to make and give as gifts to family and friends.
The name “Spritz” comes from the German word “spritzen,” meaning “to squirt,” which refers to the method of pushing the dough through a cookie press or piping it into various shapes.
All you need is a cookie press with some holiday themed discs for festive shapes, a few staple ingredients, and of course sprinkles. My kids love to help decorate these cookies, the more sprinkles the better.
Get the recipe: Spritz Cookies
5. Pfeffernusse Cookies
Pfeffernusse cookies, full of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper, are a Christmas tradition in my family too.
Though some people like to glaze them, I prefer coating these spiced cookies in powdered sugar.
Traditionally made for Christmas in Germany, these cookies get better as they sit, intensifying their flavor and becoming perfect for dunking in tea or coffee.
I love them soft and chewy right out of the oven, while my partner prefers them firm after a few days in an airtight container.
Get the recipe: Pfeffernusse Cookies
6. Almond Christmas Cookies (Friesenkekse)
These almond Christmas cookies “Friesenkekse” have a lot of history, and this recipe has been passed down from generation to generation.
Originally from Northern Germany, they’re usually served with black tea. But you’ll love the sweet nutty almonds and buttery taste on it’s own too.
To be honest, I love eating them for an easy sweet Christmas breakfast, along with the obligatory
Get the recipe: Friesenkekse
🎄 More Holiday Favorites 🎄
7. German Vanilla and Chocolate Cookies (Schwarz-Weiss Gebäck)
I love recipes with a story, and these iconic patterned Schwarz-Weiss Gebäck are a family recipe from an Uncle’s bakery in Bremen, Germany. So you know they have to be good.
While my family didn’t make these growing up, our neighbours would always bring these to our holiday gatherings. I used to eat sooooo many of them. I love the intricate patterns, and combo of vanilla and chocolate buttery cookie.
Get the recipe: German Vanilla and Chocolate Cookies
8. German Chocolate Butter Cookies (Choco Leibniz)
Chocolate butter cookies are extra decadent.
They do take a bit more time as the layer of chocolate is stuck on a butter cookie after it’s cooked. But they are worth the extra effort.
In German they’re often called Schokoladen Leibniz Kekse or Choco Leibniz.
Get the recipe: German Chocolate Butter Cookies
🎄 Also check out more delicious Christmas Recipes from around the world.
9. Kokosmakronen (German Coconut Macaroons)
Kokosmakronen, or German Coconut Macaroons, are soft, chewy, and crispy with just three ingredients: egg whites, sugar, and shredded coconut. You can also use the optional Oblaten baking wafers on the bottom to keep them from sticking.
A traditional Christmas treat in Germany, they’re light and meringue-like, making them a delicious gluten-free option.
Easy to make and perfect for gifting, you can also add extra flavors like cinnamon or vanilla for a twist.
Add making these to your Christmas traditions.
Get the recipe: Kokosmakronen
10. Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are one of my all time favourite cookies, any time of year. Cinnamony with a tang, and slightly crispy on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside. Oh so good!
They are thought to have been brought over to America & the New England area by Dutch-German immigrants. First popular within Mennonite and Amish communities.
It’s also thought that the name is derived from the German word schnecke knödel, which means snail dumpling.
Get the recipe: Snickerdoodles
11. Marzipan Cookies
Marzipan Cookies, with their crunchy almond coating and soft, chewy center, are a holiday favorite that transport me right to European Christmas markets.
Traditionally enjoyed in countries like Germany, Italy, and Sweden, these cookies are simple to make with just a few ingredients and naturally gluten-free.
While marzipan can be pricey in stores, you can easily whip up your own in just five minutes using a food processor.
These beautiful cookies also freeze well, making them perfect for holiday baking, and once you try them, your family will want them all year round.
Get the recipe: Marzipan Cookies
⭐️ Check out our other favorite Grinch inspired Christmas pretzel snacks
12. Walnut Crescent Cookies (Vanillekipferl)
These Walnut Crescent Cookies (Vanillekipferl) are a favorite holiday treat, and they’re always a hit whenever I take them to Christmas parties, and holiday gatherings.
A traditional German and Austrian cookie, their soft, crumbly texture, and unique walnut-vanilla flavor make them extra special.
The secret to their melt-in-your-mouth goodness is pure vanilla powder, which gives them a deeper flavor than regular extract. To keep them perfectly soft, be sure to take them out of the oven before they brown—let them cool to finish baking for that delicate texture.
Get the recipe: Walnut Crescent Cookies
13. Soft Gingerbread Cookies With Honey
Soft gingerbread cookies, made with honey instead of molasses, are perfect for anyone craving a traditional spiced treat.
Inspired by the German lebkuchen, a classic Christmas cookie, they have a tender crumb, warm spices, and a sweet sugar glaze.
Traditionally enjoyed during the holidays, these cookies are just as cozy all winter long. They’re also easy to make, and kids will love helping decorate them with fun toppings using the glaze as a base.
Get the recipe: Soft Gingerbread Cookies
14. Gluten-Free Almond Meringue Cookies (Mandelmakronen)
Mandelmakronen, or almond meringue cookies, are a traditional German treat, especially popular during the holiday season.
These light and chewy cookies, made from just a few ingredients—ground almonds, sugar, and egg white are naturally gluten-free and have a deliciously rich almond flavor.
Their crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior make them perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. Easy to make and requiring minimal equipment, they’re sure to become your favorite go-to recipe, whether for holiday baking or a simple afternoon treat.
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Almond Meringue Cookies
15. Spekulatius
Spekulatius are buttery shortbread cookies, spiced with cardamom and cloves, and are perfect for pairing with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
In Germany, they’re a beloved holiday tradition, often enjoyed on St. Nikolaus Tag (December 6th) when children leave their boots out for treats.
These cookies are also made in the Netherlands and are called Speculaas, usually with a windmill pattern.
Whether you call them Speculaas or enjoy them as a German classic, they’re a cozy, spiced treat loved by many during the holiday season.
Get the recipe: Spekulatius
16. Almond Crescent Cookies (Vanillekipferl)
Earlier we had a walnut version of Vanillekipferl. So now we have another tasty version of these German Crescent cookies, but with almonds.
As we have family members with allergies to walnuts, this is the perfect recipe for our Christmas family gatherings.
Still the same delicate, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, just with ground almonds.
Get the recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies
Final Thoughts: Best Christmas Cookies From Germany
If your to-so list is huge this season and you’re looking for delicious, traditional German Christmas cookies to add to your holiday baking, these simple and authentic recipes are perfect for you.
From soft gingerbread to nutty marzipan treats, these easy Christmas cookie recipes will fill your home with the warm aromas of a cozy European Christmas market.
Whether you’re making them with the kids or prepping ahead for holiday gatherings, these cookies will bring a touch of German Christmas baking to your festivities.
So, grab your apron and get ready to create sweet memories with these delightful treats that everyone will love.
More festive seasonal ideas:
