8 german cookie recipes

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.

Pfeffernusse-style German pepper cookies with white pepper, cinnamon, mixed spice, candied peel, and lemon zest. Small, puffy spice balls dusted in powdered sugar.

German springerle Christmas cookies: anise-scented egg-and-sugar dough pressed with carved wooden molds, dried overnight, and baked low to set the embossed pattern.

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.

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.