Make Traditional German Christmas Cookies this Holiday Season!

Well, there is something cozy and gorgeous about German cookies! If you are someone who finds cookies tempting and takes an interest not just in hogging them but also learn about their origin, German Christmas cookies have a great deal to offer. So today we decided why not pick this season to make them as Christmas is just around the corner. There is absolutely the best reason why one should indulge in cookies, and if you take an interest in traditional recipes this article is highly useful. So read on and let the surprise unfold.

Origin of German cookies_things to know about

Bakers in German saw that the honey-sweetened dough would undergo the process of natural presentation after a while without anything instigating the cause. They just needed cool temperatures for a couple of weeks. This created more air bubbles in the dough and enhanced the quality of the bread. Also known as Lebkuchen, these German cookies would begin to process in November and then get ready by December after the fermentation process was over.

This is to be noted that the concept of Lubkuchen was brought to light by the monks in Franconia, Germany in the 13th century. Later Nuremberg became the largest exporter of German cookies. In Nuremberg, emperor Friedrich III held a Reichstag there in 1487 and invited all the kids from town. Almost four thousand kids were presented with Lebkuchen which presented an edible stamp with the face of the emperor on it. These are also known by the name of honey cake or pepper cake and back in those days, only the authentic baker's gilded community could bake and sell these cookies unlike in other parts of the world where women would engage in baking.

Now, that is a lot about the history of German cookies! Let's learn some basic tips that you must follow as you bake any sort of cookies this season.

Tips to bake your cookies right

1. Bring your butter to room temperature-

For making cookies, you need the butter to be tender and present at room temperature! Do not use a butter cube that is brought out of the refrigerator immediately! Allow it to sit to relax at room temperature for a while and then mix in the cookie bowl. In case you are in a hurry, then you can sear the butter slowly on the pan and allow it to melt! However,  do not melt it completely as then it will not be able to trap the air bubbles.

3. Cream your butter well-

This is exactly the reason why we needed butter! Creaming is a primary step but is highly vital in making your cookies turn out fluffy and fine. Creaming your butter is the process where you need to whisk butter with sugar slowly and steadily! And as a result of which, the butter traps much air which creates a wonderful texture for the cookies. Do not make your butter too much or it will not be able to hold the air bubbles at all.

4. Add the eggs at room temperature -

Not just the butter, mark our words! You need each and every ingredient at room temperature. Let us talk about the eggs first! You need to bring out the eggs from the refrigerator at least an hour before you start processing the cookie dough! Eggs are mainly required as a levitating agent which ensures that the cookies when baked turn out flaky and fluffy. If the eggs are cold then the eggs will not be very effective to accomplish the task.

• Pro-tip- in case, you forgot to bring out the eggs, soak them in lukewarm water for five to six minutes and they will no longer remain cold and acquire the desired degree.

5. Allow the cookies to cool down so that it does not spread on the baking tray-

Bake the first batch of cookies and if you see that they spread too much then it is likely that the fluid content in the cookie dough is too much! Wait, did you create a mess? Well, not! Such small issues can be handled easily! All you need to do is pop the cookie dough in the refrigerator for half an hour and the dough will become firm and tight. The ingredients will get the required time to blend well with each other and bring about the necessary reactions for binding. If you have some time on the clock then keeping the dough in the refrigerator overnight is a great idea. Now bring them out at the end of it and bake your second batch! You will instantly observe the difference. The cookie dough will no longer spread excessively on the tray and acquire the desired shape.

6. Seasoning is not just for savory items only-

If you think that adding some salt to the cookies will destroy their taste then you are absolutely wrong. You never know how important it is for you to add a pinch of salt! Add and observe the difference! You must have had salted caramel or cinnamon cookies! Other seasonings and spices like ginger, cardamom, and so are needed during baking cookies depending on the recipe that you wish to emulate.

7. Maintain the oven temperature well-

Different ovens have different configurations and hence although you set your appliance at a particular temperature it might not register a similar temperature! To be accurate, you need a kitchen thermometer to record the ideal point. Generally, for cookie baking, the temperature is more or less kept around 325-375°F. This much range of difference is acceptable as you bake the batches but try to be accurately 350°F or as much as possible.

8. Do not always strictly follow the baking time-

There is no need for you to accurately follow the baking time as ovens of different configurations can make it tough for you to follow the strict duration! So always set the timer at least five minutes ahead of what is mentioned. This way you can minimize the chance of burning the cookies or getting them overbaked.  After you bring the cookies out of the oven, if the biscuits are still tender and a bit soggy, you can quickly pop them into the oven for another couple of minutes.

So that is the whole story about baking German cookies! You can definitely store them for about two to three weeks in an airtight container. This way you can enjoy them as long as you want. Here are some traditional German Christmas cookies recipes for you to indulge in.

Make Delicious Traditional German Christmas Cookies in Time for the Holidays!

1. German Christmas cookies ( Lebkuchen cookies)

Delicious and crumbly, the German Christmas cookies are exactly what you required. Rich and flooded with creamy essence, there is no way you should miss out on this treat during the holidays.

2. Walnut shortbread cookies ( German Christmas cookies)

The presence of walnuts in the cookies makes them taste so delightful indeed. The shortbread cookies are an all-time classic and you can enjoy them with tea on the sides! Perfect to make your evenings refreshing and sprightly.

3. German gingerbread cookies

How can we celebrate Christmas without some gingerbread cookies on the table? The German version of the cookies is equally good and you should bake them this season! Follow this recipe and create some fresh batches of gingerbread cookies.

4. Pfeffernusse( German spice cookies)

Resembling white stones, these cookies are full of surprises for cookie lovers. Take a bite and you shall see that the spicy filling is oozing out. So if you are looking for some wonderful styles to bake cookies during Christmas, this is rather a unique idea!

5. Lebkuchen German Christmas cookies

The Lebkuchen German Christmas cookies are simply outstanding and flooded with great flavors! Gorgeous and enriching, the traditional cookies are ready in no time. From kids to adults, no one will be able to spare their share. Shall we then?

6. German Spitzbuben cookies with Black forest jam

It is the sight of the cookies that will instantly make your mouth water! The German spitzbuben cookies are indeed the most amazing treat ever! Filled with black forest jam, there is no escaping the treat.

7. Pfeffernusse German spice cookies

Ideal to make your Christmas even more special and filled with affection with the aid of the Pfeffernusse German cookies filled with a subtle essence of spice in it too! So if you are in the mood for something luxurious and crispy, bake them already!

8. Cinnamon Stars Zimtsterne cookies

Are cookies shaped like stars? Yup, they are exactly brought from heaven! Delicious and cookie, the crispy treats are waiting for you during the holidays so make them quickly and enjoy them to your fullest. Shall we make them then?

9. Spitzbuben German cookies

The adorable Spitzbuben German cookies are right here to sway off your feet! Filled with rich jelly, grab a bite of the cookies and indulge in its blissful taste. So are you ready to give it a try? Go for them already!

10. German hazelnut macaron recipes

Filled with the crunchy essence of hazelnut, the macaron German cookies are fantastic and packed with great flavors. Enriching and gorgeous, the recipe is extraordinary and leaves one completely smitten. And the best part is they are so simple to bake!

11. German lebkuchen cookies

Nothing is as good as the all-time classic German Lebkuchen cookies! Delectable, light, and flaky, these are the best for one to relish! So if you are wondering which one to bake this season, you are simply going to be left confused we must admit! With so many options, it can be hard to decide.

12. Lebkuchen( Grandma's German cookies)

Here is a traditional recipe for those who haven't tried Lebkuchen yet! Delectable and crumbly, you are definitely going to fall in love with the exotic batch of cookies! Try out this authentic cookie recipe for sure!

13. German Marzipan cookies

Topped with a rich layer of chocolate, the German marzipan cookies are exactly what you need! Drizzled with nuts on top, there is no escape from this gorgeous treat! Ravishing and indeed the best option!

14. Authentic German gingerbread cookies

The lovely German gingerbread cookies are right here to sway you off your feet! We are not even exaggerating a bit! Try it out on your find out about its blissful taste! Shall we begin to prepare them then? Let's go!

15. Authentic German Springerle

There is nothing as comforting as cookies for Christmas! The winter bliss will double with the presence of the gorgeous Springerle! Topped with rich icing, you are definitely going to fall in love with the treat right away! Shall we then?

16. German poppy seed Christmas cookies

Let's talk about the German poppy seed Christmas cookies which are indeed the most extraordinary treat of all time. Sprinkled with sugar dust and filled with gooey chocolate in the center, go for it right away! Shall we then?

17. German plum jam cookies with crumble toppings

The graceful German plum jam cookies are filled with jelly and taste so fascinating! Topped with crumbles, the experience only becomes better and bigger. So if you are in the mood for something light and easy, go for them already with tea every evening.

18. Linzer-style cookies

Here is another wonderful idea that you must make this season! Christmas is all about engaging in making the best cookies in the world! We have the recipe for the exotic Linzer cookies which are simply ready in no time.

19. German butter cookies

If you are not a great fan of something fancy and elaborate, then these German butter cookies are perfect for you! Delicious and gooey, you will definitely thank us later for the idea! So what are you waiting for?

20. Classic German star cookies

German star cookies are fascinating and packed with great flavors, so if you are in the mood for something wonderful and gooey, then go for this idea right away! Topped with rich icing, your cookies are ready to adorn the table.

Frequently asked questions associated with making German cookies for Christmas

1. What is the secret to baking delicious cookies?

To turn your cookies into something delicious and crumbly, you always need to be precise about the ingredients which are mentioned in the recipe. First of all, the measurements must be accurate and you should not substitute the ingredients with anything else unless it is mentioned.

2. What is the ideal temperature of the oven that needs to be maintained for baking cookies?

The ideal temperature for baking cookies is 350°F. But not all the ovens are the same and hence the temperature can also vary even if you place the degrees at the given value! Hence the variation of 325°-375° F is acceptable while you bake the cookies.

3. Why did my cookies turn out to be so hard and chewy?

If you observe that after baking the cookies have turned out to be chewy and hard then that must be due to overworking the dough which must be avoided. This makes the gluten develop and renders a tough consistency to the dough. Do not knead the dough for too long.

4. How can you prevent the cookie dough from spreading on the baking sheet?

If you observe that the cookie dough is spreading excessively on the tray then all you need to do is place the dough in the refrigerator for about an hour to make it firm and tight.

5. What is the technique for turning your cookies flaky and fluffy?

If you want your cookies to turn flaky and fluffy then you must use some eggs in the mixture.

Bottom Line:

It's not quite Christmas without traditional German cookies! Give your festive season a boost this year by baking a batch of these delicious holiday treats. Not only are they fun to make, but they're also sure to bring an extra special touch to your holiday season.

By staying true to the traditional recipes, the comforting flavors of these classic cookies will spread joy and cheer in your home. Why not bring these age-old recipes back into your kitchen this holiday season and create lasting memories with friends and family?

Let's make Christmas extra special this year. Break out the ingredients, grab an apron, and get baking! As German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, once said: "Christmas cookies are like memories - they stay sweet forever."

With these delicious German Christmas cookies, it's time to take a break from the hustle and bustle and bring the traditional flavors of Christmas into your home. Enjoy your holiday season and happy baking!