When I tell you these spiced almond cookies are like a warm hug on a chilly day, believe me, you’re in for a cozy treat! Let’s dive into this subtly citrusy and delightfully nutty recipe that combines all my favorite holiday spices into one perfect bite.
This holiday season, I’m delighted to share my recipe for German Christmas Cookies. With a comforting blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and the zestiness of lemon, these cookies are a fragrant treat.
The balance of almonds and a gentle dusting of powdered sugar gives them an irresistible texture and flavor. Enjoy the warmth and joy these cookies bring to your festive celebrations!
German Christmas Cookies Recipe Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and carbohydrate base.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
- Unsalted butter: Ensures richness and tender crumb.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spicy flavor.
- Ground cloves: Provides a deep, aromatic spice note.
- Lemon zest: Offers fresh citrus brightness.
- Chopped almonds: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
German Christmas Cookies Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
How to Make this German Christmas Cookies Recipe
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the lemon zest and chopped almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour or until firm.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
German Christmas Cookies Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Hand mixer or stand mixer
3. Spatula
4. Whisk
5. Separate mixing bowl
6. Plastic wrap
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Baking sheets
10. Parchment paper
11. Rolling pin
12. Cookie cutters
13. Wire rack
14. Sifter (for powdered sugar)
15. Knife or zester (for lemon zest)
FAQ
- What type of flour should be used? Use all-purpose flour as it provides the right texture for these cookies.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but omit the 1/4 teaspoon salt from the recipe to balance the flavor.
- How should the butter be prepared? Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
- Is there an alternative to almonds? You can use other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts, but almonds are traditional for the flavor.
- How can I make the cookies gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
- How long should the cookies be baked? Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Can the dough be prepared in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and refrigerate it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
German Christmas Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Substitute with 1 cup coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Use 1 cup of margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- 1 large egg: Replace with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free version.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Try 1 teaspoon of almond extract for a different aromatic profile.
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds: Swap with 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts for a classic German twist.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour is crucial to prevent spreading. If time allows, consider chilling it overnight for even better flavor development and easier handling.
2. Enhance Flavor with Toasted Almonds: For a richer taste, try lightly toasting the chopped almonds before adding them to the dough. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Precision in Rolling: When rolling out the dough, use a rolling pin with thickness rings or guides to ensure uniform thickness. This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent burning the edges.
4. Experiment with Extracts: For a unique twist, substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract to complement the almonds and enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Storage Tip: To keep cookies fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help maintain moisture in the cookies, preventing them from becoming stale.
German Christmas Cookies Recipe
My favorite German Christmas Cookies Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Hand mixer or stand mixer
3. Spatula
4. Whisk
5. Separate mixing bowl
6. Plastic wrap
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Baking sheets
10. Parchment paper
11. Rolling pin
12. Cookie cutters
13. Wire rack
14. Sifter (for powdered sugar)
15. Knife or zester (for lemon zest)
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the lemon zest and chopped almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour or until firm.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
