Get a Taste of Nostalgia With These Old World German Christmas Cookies (2024)

These cinnamon star cookies are soft and chewy thanks to a thin layer of meringue on top. They're traditionally made with almonds, but this pistachio version is just so tasty!

Get the Star Cookies (Zimtsterne) recipe.

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Inspired by Vanillekipferl, these nutty, tender cookies will practically melt in your mouth. The traditional version is dipped in vanilla sugar but regular powdered sugar works well too.

Get the Crescent Cookies recipe.

These buttery almond cookies require a cookie press to stamp out the shapes. It's easy to use and your kids will even enjoy helping make them, too!

Get the Spritz Cookies recipe.

In German, the word "kulleraugen" means "googly eyes," referring to the way these cookies look. For Christmas, we like using a red raspberry jam, but you can fill them with any flavor jam you like best.

Get Ree's Thumbprint Cookies recipe.

This traditional German cookie is one of the most popular around Christmastime because it has those classic gingerbread flavors. The soft, chewy, and lightly glazed treats are a must-have for your cookie plate.

Get the Lebkuchen recipe at A Beautiful Plate.

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These German spice cookies have a distinct kick from ground pepper and a hint of sweet licorice flavor thanks to the anise extract. If you can't find the extract, use 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seed instead.

Get the Pfeffernusse recipe at Preppy Kitchen.

Another anise-flavored cookie is the springerle, which is known for an embossed design. These cookies have been around for centuries and you'll still find them to be a popular holiday treat.

Get the Springerle recipe at The Daring Gourmet.

Yes, we know "Haselnussmakronen" sounds like a mouthful, but it simply breaks down to hasel meaning hazel, nuss meaning nut, and markronen meaning macaroon.

Get the German Hazelnut Macaroon recipe at The Toasty Kitchen.

Traditionally, stollen is a yeasted sweet bread made with dried fruit and nuts. But this twist turns the classic Christmas dessert into a cookie instead. It's sure to become a new favorite.

Get the Stollen Balls recipe at Red Currant Bakery.

These cookies are made up of three delicious layers: a buttery shortbread, a sweet apricot jam, and a crunchy caramelized hazelnut topping.

Get the Nut Corners (Nussecken) recipe at Plated Cravings.

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You can find this treat at a Christmas market in Frankfurt or bake your own in just 20 minutes at home! They're crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and studded with crunchy almonds.

Get the Marizpan Cookies (Bethmannchen) recipe at Veggie Desserts.

You may recognize these jam-filled sandwich cookies from the Linzer Cookies we know and love. The German version is called Spitzbuben and it's perfect for Christmas!

Get the Spitzbuben recipe at Days of Jay.

During the busy holiday season, we love any cookie recipe that can be made ahead of time, like these almond-flavored cookies dipped in chocolate. They can keep in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks.

Get the Almond Horns (Mandelhörnchen) recipe at Texanerin Baking.

It doesn't have to be Christmas to make these easy, one-bowl macaroons. They come together quickly with just 6 ingredients!

Get the German Coconut Macaroons recipe at The Floured Table.

These slice-and-bake cookies have a nutty, caramelized flavor thanks to the browned butter. But it's the coarse sugar on the edges that make them extra special for the holidays.

Get the Heidesand recipe at The Toasty Kitchen.

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