13 german cookie recipes

German gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen-style) with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and dark molasses. A classic Christmas cookie that bakes drop-style or chills overnight for cookie-cutter shapes.

Kekstorte is a classic German no-bake cookie cake layering crisp butter cookies with rum-spiked cocoa-coconut cream, chilled overnight in a loaf pan until sliceable and rich.

Pfeffernuesse German pepper cookies with molasses, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper, rolled in powdered sugar. Small, spicy, and deeply aromatic holiday cookies from the old country.

German loaf cookies (Zwieback-style) with lemon zest, almond extract, and a cocoa-cinnamon swirl. Baked as a log, sliced, then broiled crisp for a twice-baked biscotti-like crunch.

Traditionally baked during 'Sinterklaas', a feast on 5 December (6 December in Belgium and Germany) on which little children receive gifts from the holy St. Nicholas, the partial inspiration for Santa Claus. In Germany, Pfeffernüsse are traditionally made during the Christmas season.

Lemon glaze made with egg white, powdered sugar, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice. A smooth, glossy icing for cookies, cakes, and German-style baked goods.

Traditional German Springerle cookies with anise oil, stamped with carved molds and dried overnight before baking to a pale straw color. This heirloom recipe makes 72 delicate, picture-perfect cookies.

Traditional German lebkuchen cookies with honey, molasses, almonds, candied fruit, and five warm spices. Soft, chewy spice cookies brushed with lemon glaze for a classic Christmas treat.

Buttery German almond crescents dusted with powdered sugar, made with ground almonds and double extracts for a melt-in-your-mouth holiday cookie.

Pfefferkuchen, a German honey spice cake with whole wheat flour, coffee, cinnamon, cloves, and rum, glazed while hot. A traditional Christmas cookie bar that stays soft for weeks.

Haselnussmakronen, traditional German hazelnut macaroons: a cocoa meringue folded with crushed hazelnuts and lemon zest, baked low into chewy, flourless cookies. A naturally gluten-free holiday treat.

Traditional German almond cookies shaped into hearts, with a tender flourless crumb made from ground almonds, egg yolks, and lemon extract, topped with a bright lemon icing. Naturally gluten-free and irresistible.

Chocolate caramel nut bars with a German chocolate cake-mix crust, melted caramel middle, and chopped walnuts and chocolate chips. A potluck-ready bar cookie you can shortcut with a boxed mix.