Sticky sweet, spicy with a kick, soft and crumbly and with intricate patterns – Germany’s traditional cookies are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. Many of these are Christmas specials, but, of course, there is no law against enjoying them all year round! Let’s take you on a tour of the yummiest, most scrumptious cookies from the various regions of Germany.
Lebkuchen
Lebkuchen are an integral part of the German Christmas, and all Christmas markets in the country bask in the irresistible aroma of Germany’s favorite cookie. Lebkuchen are very similar to gingerbread, though perhaps less crispy. They come in varied shapes and sizes, with various icings and glazes, and are sometimes sprinkled with nuts. Many of them have messages scrawled on them in icing.
Vanillekipferln (vanilla crescents)
Springerle
These cookies have a history dating back to the 15th century, and originally baked in Bavaria and Swabia. The uniqueness of this cookie lies in the intricate designs embossed on them, which is achieved by skillfully pressing a rolling pin or mold with a design onto the dough. The bottom layer of the cookie consists of anise seeds.
Pfeffernüsse (pepper nuts)
Pfeffernuss is just what you need to take a break from all the sweetness. These tiny cookies combine several spices, most commonly cinnamon, cloves, mace, nutmeg, cardamom, and anise. Some bakers add powdered sugar, honey, or molasses to add a dash of sweetness to the taste, while some like to add nuts. There is no way you can stop at one!
Bethmännchen
Bethmännchen are a specialty of Frankfurt and the star of Frankfurt’s Christmas markets. These small, ball-shaped cookies are made of marzipan, rosewater, flour, sugar, and eggs. Each cookie is garnished with three slices of almond.
Heidesand (heather sand)
These delightful cookies from Lower Saxony have a rich buttery flavor. They are so named as the cookie dough is light beige in color, much like sand. Traditionally they are plain and crumbly, but some bakeries add chocolate to them for variation.
Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars)
These egg white and almond concoctions are as tasty as they are cute to behold. Generous helpings of cinnamon are added to the dough, resulting in a tempting aroma and a sweet-spicy flavor.
Glühweinplätzchen
These flavourful cookies are practically festive cheer on a plate. Flour, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, hazelnuts, and a generous dose of Glühwein and red wine go into these, lending the cookies a heady, intoxicating aroma.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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