Many people appreciate German cuisine for its many amazing qualities, and that includes German desserts. German cookies are a great way to dip your toes into all that German desserts have to offer!
If you’re finding yourself interested in making a German cookie recipe, then you might not know where to start. After all, this is a foriegn cuisine you’re exploring!
We’re here to help. We’ve compiled 17 great German cookie recipes together into one easy list, so that you don’t have to deal with the headache of finding the best recipes!
Contents
17 Easy German Cookie Recipes
Are you ready to explore the best German cookie recipes? Let’s get straight into it and explore some delicious options!
1. Caramel-Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Cookie bars are almost like a cookie in brownie form; what’s not to love? This is a fresh take on the common Pfeffernüsse cookie; if you want to use a traditional German recipe while still presenting it in a fresh, new way, this is for you.
The sweetness of caramel and the sharp tastes of gingerbread are contrasts that are delicious together. The caramel softens the gingerbread, the gingerbread sharpens the caramel! It’s perfect!
https://wusflongesttable.org/caramel-gingerbread-cookie-bars/
2. Gingerbread Cookies
While gingerbread cookies are enjoyed all over the world, Germany is known for its gingerbread and gingerbread recipes. This is why we’ve decided to include standard gingerbread cookies on this list.
Gingerbread cookies are so much fun to make; you can make gingerbread men out of them or you can use different cookie cutters for all new takes! If you have kids in the family, then this is an especially good recipe.
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-gingerbread-cookies/
3. Vanillekipferl
These cookies are pretty basic, but that absolutely does not mean they are anything short of delicious! This is a plain vanilla cookie that is covered in powdered sugar.
If you’re a fan of powdered donuts, this might be a good recipe for you to try out. The taste won’t be exactly the same as a powdered donut, of course, but our point is- if you like powdered sugar, this is 100% for you!
https://www.daringgourmet.com/vanillekipferl-austrian-vanilla-crescent-cookies/
4. Chocolate Spice Bars
A lot of people think of cookies as being something a person dedicates their time to making at Christmas, and not at many other times of the year. But we’d like to challenge this.
Chocolate spice bars are wonderful cookies to make in the fall, as the days get shorter and colder. It’s pretty easy for this cookie to become another comfort food, so be careful!
https://bakedbree.com/spiced-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars
5. Zimtsterne
Also known as Cinnamon Stars, this is a really popular recipe for cookies at Christmas time in Germany. They’re spicier cookies, so keep that in mind when making this recipe. If you’re expecting something sweet, change your expectations!
This is a great cookie to try if you haven’t really explored German desserts before and want to see what they have to offer. Enjoy them with mulled wine for a true experience.
https://www.christinascucina.com/zimtsterne-german-cinnamon-stars/
6. Kaiser-Plätzchen
Lots of people enjoy jam in or on their cookies, and understandably so. This is a great recipe for German jam-filled cookies. Traditionally, they’re shaped like stars, but nothing is stopping you from picking a different shape!
A couple of other common shapes for them include hearts and rounded cookies. As you might expect, this is another recipe that’s pretty commonly used around Christmas.
https://germanfoods.org/recipes/emperors-cookies-german-christmas-cookies/
7. Lebkuchen
These cookies are, like a lot of recipes here, pretty simple. German cookie recipes are generally pretty easy, which is a massive bonus for anyone without a lot of extra time on their hands. This cookie uses a really unique spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in its recipe.
We know that people often expect cookies to be sweet, but we really do encourage you to try out some of these spiced cookie recipes. They’re really nice when enjoyed with a good, warm drink!
https://www.abeautifulplate.com/lebkuchen-cookies/
8. German Hazelnut Cookies
If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for a jar of Nutella, then this recipe is absolutely for you. You’ll absolutely love that these cookies taste similar to Nutella; it’s like the spread in cookie form!
If some of the spiced cookie recipes on this list don’t appeal to you, then we really encourage you to check this one out. We’re sure it won’t disappoint you.
https://www.internationaldessertsblog.com/german-hazelnut-cookies/
9. Springerle
If a cookie that combines both soft and crunchy textures into one sounds like something you’d like to try, then you’re in luck. Check out Springerle- a recipe that does exactly that.
This cookie is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside; it’s truly an experience that you need to have. To do this recipe traditionally, you’ll need baker’s ammonia; if you can’t find that, don’t stress. You can use baking powder or soda in place.
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/springerle-shortbread-recipe
10. Pfeffernüsse
We mentioned the cookie bar alternative to this classic German cookie recipe before, but it’s time to focus on the original.
If there’s any German cookie you’ve ever tried before, it’s probably Pfeffernüsse. They’re commonly seen in stores, especially in Aldi. This is another spiced cookie, but it’s typically pretty small, so it’s a great way to introduce yourself to spiced German cookies if you’re hesitant.
https://www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com/pfeffernusse-cookies/
11. Heidesand
If plain cookies are right up your alley, we’ve got you. This is a very simple, traditional German butter cookie. Sometimes, plain is best, and we’re certainly not going to judge you for wanting something basic.
Don’t underestimate the flavor of these cookies, though; just because the recipe is easy and not at all complex, doesn’t mean that the cookie is any less worthy of a spot on this list than any other cookie. We strongly encourage you to try these out.
https://mygerman.recipes/heidesand-german-shortbread/
12. Haselnussmakronen
Alright Nutella lovers, this list is certainly treating you well. This is a German recipe for hazelnut macarons. The hazelnut comes in the form of a spread within the cookie; so if you truly want to have a Nutella experience in German, look no further.
Macarons can be a bit of a challenge to make if you’re not an experienced baker, but with a little bit of patience and practice, they can turn out just right.
https://adamantkitchen.com/haselnussmakronen/
13. Spritzgebäck
If you only pick one cookie off of this list to add to your Christmas cookie platter, let it be this one. This is an extremely common cookie recipe in Germany at Christmastime, although of course they can be made at any time of the year.
Crunchy and nutty, they aren’t exactly the same as the typical cut-out cookie recipes that Americans look to. Nonetheless, you are still encouraged to bust out the cookie cutters and go wild!
https://www.ruchikrandhap.com/spritzgeback-spritz-cookies-german/
14. Spekulatius
Also known as Dutch windmill cookies, this is a thin and crunchy cookie. Sometimes, there’s nothing more satisfying in life than biting into a cookie and hearing that satisfying crunch. If that’s what you’re looking for, this will certainly not disappoint.
They have somewhat of a caramelized taste, so they’re nice and sweet. We strongly encourage you to give these a shot!
https://www.thespruceeats.com/german-spice-cookies-spekulatius-recipe-1446782
15. Bethmännchen
If adding nuts to a cookie recipe sounds like something you’d enjoy, then we encourage you to try out this recipe. This is another German cookie that will turn out crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Traditionally, Bethmännchen cookies are topped with three almonds. You’d be surprised how much three little nuts can really do to complete a cookie!
https://cooking-the-world.com/traditional-frankfurts-bethmannchen/
16. Kipplens
Sometimes referred to as German pecan snowballs, Kipplens are an amazingly soft cookie that utilizes powdered sugar. A lot of the recipes on the list make cookies that are on the crunchier side, but we wanted to pay special attention to those of you who like things on the softer side.
As a bonus, this cookie only takes about 35 minutes to make. If you’re short on time, then we highly suggest taking a serious look at this great recipe.
https://hardlyagoddess.com/kipplens-aka-pecan-snow-balls-christmascookies/
17. Nussecken
We’ll finish with a truly unique cookie recipe. Nussecken cookies are made of shortbread, apricot jam, and caramelized hazelnut. If you’ve got a hard time resisting eating one after another of a delicious cookie, stay away from this recipe!
The ingredients might sound a little odd to you at first, but we want to assure you that this is certainly a recipe worth trying. They say you should try to experience everything once- give these cookies a try!
https://platedcravings.com/nut-corners-german-nussecken/
Wrap-Up
Germany is known around the world for its amazing desserts, and their vast array of cookie recipes are certainly no exception. This list, hopefully, has helped introduce you to a brand new world of amazing food. Leave a comment down below sharing your favorite recipe!
17 Easy German Cookie Recipes
Ingredients
- Caramel-Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Vanillekipferl
- Chocolate Spice Bars
- Zimtsterne
- Kaiser-Plätzchen
- Lebkuchen
- German Hazelnut Cookies
- Springerle
- Pfeffernüsse
- Heidesand
- Haselnussmakronen
- Spritzgebäck
- Spekulatius
- Bethmännchen
- Kipplens
- Nussecken
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prepare and enjoy in 30 minutes or less!
