No Christmas would be complete without some great desserts. Meanwhile, these German Christmas desserts are just what you’re looking for!
Made with classic German flavors and Christmas traditions, these desserts are perfect for sharing with your family this holiday season!
Let’s dive into the various German Christmas desserts compiled especially for you in this article!
1. Chocolate-coated Marshmallow Treats
This is the first on our list of various German Christmas desserts. There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies during the holidays. But this year, why try something different?
These Chocolate-coated Marshmallow Treats are a chewy, chocolatey, and festive way to enjoy a winter treat.
Also, they’re easy to make, so you’ll have more time to spend on other things (like watching all those Christmas movies)!
2. German Shortbread Cookie
Heidesand comes second on this list of delicious German Christmas desserts. It is a shortbread cookie made of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and cream, typically shaped into an oval or square. Heidesand is often sprinkled with powdered sugar.
The cookie was originally named after its sandy consistency, which resembles sand or heide (German for health).
The name was changed to Heidesand during World War II as it was considered unpatriotic to use the word sand. Uniquely, Heidesands are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve.
3. German Snowball Pastry
This traditional Christmas pastry is not left out of this list of German Christmas desserts. It is made from an almond-based dough, rolled into balls, and dusted with icing sugar. The pastry is usually served at room temperature or cold.
This recipe calls for a custard-like filling (made from eggs, sugar, flour, and milk), but you can also use jam or another filling instead.
To assemble the Schneeballen, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Then, roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1⁄4 inch thick. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Next, spread the egg mixture over the top, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll out the second disk on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1⁄4 inch thick. Finally, cut it into strips 2 inches wide by 8 inches long.
4. Aachener Printen
Aachener Printen, one of the traditional German Christmas desserts, is made from dough, filled with almonds and raisins, and then fried.
The dough is rolled out on a flour-covered countertop. The rolling pin is dipped in egg white before each use to prevent sticking.
Then, a filling of finely chopped almonds, raisins, and sugar is sprinkled onto half the dough before folding it to form a semi-circle shape.
This shape can be cut into wedges or rounds to fry it. The pieces are deep-fried for about five minutes until golden brown before being allowed to cool on paper towels or an oven rack.
These Aachener Printen are often served alongside coffee during family gatherings or while drinking hot mulled wine in winter.
5. Allerheiligenstriezel
Allerheiligenstriezel is a Christmas-popular pastry bread made from flour, yeast, salt, butter, eggs, and milk.
Traditionally, raisins were also added to the dough. It is left to rise for two hours before being rolled out into a long rectangle and folded over itself several times.
Then, it’s topped off with an egg-based glaze and sprinkled with sugar before being baked until golden brown.
Allerheiligenstriezel is one of the tastiest German Christmas desserts. It may be served by slicing it into thin pieces or by cutting it into small squares and serving them as cookies.
6. Vanilla Crescent Cookies
Vanilla Crescent Cookies are old-fashioned, traditional German Christmas desserts served year-round.
They are crescent-shaped butter cookies that can be rolled in powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate to make them even more festive.
The recipe for this tasty cookie is as follows:
- Butter softened
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg (room temperature)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Cream of tartar
- Baking powder.
7. German Anise Cookie
Springerle is a traditional German cookie usually served around Christmas time. The dough contains anise, which gives it its distinct flavor.
The cookies are often cut into shapes to symbolize religious symbols such as stars, crosses, or angels.
They’re traditionally rolled out and cut using a wooden mold. Then, they are baked on parchment paper or a greased baking sheet for about 10 minutes at 350°F.
Sprinkle them with powdered sugar if desired. You are sure to love this one of the German Christmas desserts.
8. Zwieback
Of the several German Christmas desserts, this is another popular one known as Zwieback. It’s typically shaped like small loaves of bread and eaten by dipping it into coffee or tea.
9. Rugelach
Rugelach is another type of pastry that is considered a typical German Christmas dessert. However, they’re also enjoyed year-round.
10. German Spice Cookies
German Spice Cookies (Spekulatius) are traditional German Christmas desserts. These delightful, spicy cookies are made from a dough of flour, butter, brown sugar, eggs, and spices.
The dough is left to chill for about one hour before being rolled into thin strips and cut into diamond shapes.
After baking for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, they will be golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve them warm or store them in an airtight container to enjoy later.
11. German Spit Cake
This particular traditional German Christmas dessert is a rich and decadent cake. It is baked to perfection, adding an extra sweetness to your Christmas celebrations.
The recipe is simple and quick but requires a few hours of resting and baking time.
This much-loved cake can be made as small or large as you want, but this recipe will be made into individual portions. First, whisk together egg yolk and sugar until light and fluffy. Next, add flour, vanilla extract, salt, and rum (optional) and mix well.
12. Lebkuchen
Lebkuchen is a German word that means gingerbread. Traditionally, it is a sweet German Christmas dessert made of honey, sugar, and spices.
Today, it is also made of chocolate or marzipan; as a result, these cookies have a dark and spicy flavor.
In Europe and North America, they are often associated with Christmas time because they have become popular as gifts during this time of year.
One way to enjoy them is by dipping them into hot cocoa or coffee. They can also be eaten on their own as a snack or dessert and come in many varieties, from fig-filled to nut-filled.
13. German Quark Balls
Quark Balls are traditional German Christmas desserts enjoyed throughout the winter months. They are made from a soft cheese called Quark, which can be found in almost any grocery store.
If you don’t want to make your own dough, you can buy premade pie crusts and use them instead.
Additionally, Quark is a sour milk-based cheese that has been around for centuries and is often used as an ingredient for savory and sweet dishes.
It’s also very high in protein and calcium. So, if you’re looking for a healthy dessert this time of year, this one may be perfect.
14. German Cinnamon Star Cookies
The cookies are a traditional treat at German Christmas celebrations. The dough is rolled out and cut into star shapes, then baked until crisp and golden brown.
They are often decorated by adding icing, candies, or sprinkles.
- If you want to try your hand at making these German Christmas desserts, here’s how:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small saucepan, stir together water and butter over medium-low heat until the butter has melted. Then, remove from heat and let cool for five minutes.
- Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
15. Christmas Market Waffles
Believe it or not, there are many other traditional German Christmas desserts besides gingerbread cookies and chocolate-covered marzipan. These sweets are often made of fruit, nuts, and sugar.
Some of them have been handed down for centuries, while others were created as a way to make use of ingredients.
These are ingredients that would otherwise go bad during the long winter season. The Christmas Market Waffles are just a few examples of these delicious German Christmas desserts. You aren’t going to regret eating these amazing treats ever!
16. German Hot Chocolate
Heiße Schokolade is a popular winter beverage. It is made by mixing milk, cocoa powder, and sugar until they form a thick liquid.
Unlike other hot chocolate drinks that are usually cooled off before serving, Heiße Schokolade is served warm.
Then, it is topped off with whipped cream or powdered chocolate. This drink can be enjoyed alone or alongside a pastry like Lebkuchen.
Lebkuchen is also a German Christmas dessert. It is a type of gingerbread cookie typically eaten around Christmas time.
17. German Pudding
Compared to other German Christmas desserts, this classic German pudding is a favorite for many families because it’s easy to make and delicious.
The pudding is made by whisking egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and cream until light and fluffy. Once thickened, the mixture is poured into individual cups lined on a baking sheet.
Then, the cups are baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until set.
The recipe also includes instructions for topping the puddings with freshly whipped cream before serving them chilled or warm.
When served chilled, herrencreme tastes like light custard or flan, while warm herrencreme tastes like a light sponge cake topped with fresh whipped cream.
18. German Bundt Cake
The German Bundt Cake (Gugelhupf) is a traditional, sugary cake commonly served as a dessert on Christmas. It is made of flour, eggs, butter, and sugar, but it also contains raisins or other fruit and nuts for extra flavor.
Besides, the cake batter can be shaped into a ring before baking, which gives it its characteristic shape. It’s baked until it is browned on top and slightly firm to the touch in the center.
19. German Fruit Bread
German Fruit Bread or Stollen is a traditional, heavy fruit bread that is very popular around Christmas.
There are many variations, but most are made with dried fruits and nuts. This recipe makes a denser, more intense loaf, perfect for the holidays.
It’s also sweeter than other stollen recipes, so you’ll want to pair it with coffee or tea instead of milk. You can use any kind of raisins, currants, candied peel, almonds, or candied ginger.
The raisins plump up while they bake, so they’re chewy rather than crunchy, adding another layer of texture to this already yummy treat.
If you are thinking about the best German Christmas desserts to serve your guests, you can’t go wrong with German Fruit Bread!
20. Almond Croissant (Mandelhörnchen)
Almond Croissants (Mandelhörnchen) is a popular Christmastime bakery item. They are shaped like crescent moons and made from buttery, flaky dough containing almonds.
It’s then shaped into a crescent shape and deep-fried until golden brown before sprinkling with powdered sugar.
Specifically, they’re best enjoyed while still warm and crisp, so be sure to buy them right when you see them at your local bakery.
If you can’t find an almond croissant in your city, try making this recipe home for something homemade during the holidays.
Without mincing words, this is one of the most sumptuous German Christmas desserts you’ll ever taste!
21. Dominostein
The Dominostein is a Classic German Christmas dessert similar to a Rice Krispie square. The dough is made from groundnuts or poppy seeds, sugar, and eggs.
Once you have your dough, you form small balls and press them onto the cookie sheet, spacing them well apart.
Finally, bake them at 350 degrees until they turn brown and harden. After it cools, eat them whole with coffee or tea as an afternoon treat.
22. Baumkuchen
Baumkuchen is a traditional German cake that can now be found worldwide. Of the German Christmas desserts, it’s most famous for its many layers stacked like tree rings and baked like bread.
However, these cakes can take up to three days to prepare. Each layer needs time to bake before adding more dough for another layer.
23. Poppy Seed Bread
Poppy Seed Breads, or Mohnschnecke, are traditional German Christmas desserts. These breads are made from flour, butter, sugar, yeast, and poppy seeds.
The dough is kneaded, rolled out into thin sheets, and then cut into circles using a round biscuit cutter. The circles are baked on a cookie sheet for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
24. Linzer Cookies
Linzer Cookies are traditional German Christmas desserts that are perfect for any celebration. Start by making the dough and mixing it with sugar, butter, and flour. Roll out the dough and cut it into rounds.
Then, top each round with almond paste before pressing two halves together to form a sandwich cookie. Next, dip each edge of each cookie into melted chocolate and then roll them in chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes until they are lightly browned around the edges and set inside. Lastly, serve warm or at room temperature on their own or alongside coffee.
25. Yeast Dumpling
This yeast-based dough dumpling is a staple of many European cuisines. Dampfnudel can be served as a bread pudding or filled with fruit, like apples and raisins.
These German Christmas desserts are typically boiled rather than baked, which gives them a soft, moist texture that is perfect for dessert.
Moreover, this recipe calls for only five ingredients: flour, water, sugar, salt, and yeast. The dough is mixed and left to rise before forming into individual pieces. These pieces are then boiled until they are cooked all the way through.
26. Apple Strudel
This dessert consists of thinly sliced apples layered with pastry dough and then baked. The pastry is usually made from flour, butter, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
It is a sweet treat often served as a dessert to accompany coffee or tea. The dough can be made into various pastries, such as strudel, kuchen, or croissants.
One thing to note is that some people will add raisins to the apple filling to give it extra sweetness. This dish may sound exotic, but it originated in Vienna and became popular throughout Austria by the 1800s.
Then, it eventually spread throughout Germany after World War II due to its simple preparation method.
27. German Apple Cake
Apfelkuchen is a traditional cake from southern Germany, usually served during Advent and Christmas.
The name means apple cake, which is so named because of its topping, which usually consists of an apple mixture. Apfelkuchen, one of the many German Christmas desserts, is often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
To make this delectable dessert, you will need sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, sliced apples (I used Granny Smith), butter, and eggs.
Directions are: First, beat together sugar and eggs until fluffy. Then add softened butter to mix well. Finally, add cinnamon, ginger, and apples and mix well.
28. German Baked Apple
Bratapfel is a traditional dessert commonly served in December. It consists of an apple filled with crumbs, raisins, and currants.
Then, it is baked until it’s warm and gooey inside. What’s more about this particular one of the German Christmas desserts?
The apples may be sprinkled with cinnamon or sugar before baking for extra flavor. Bratapfel can be eaten hot or cold, but traditionally, they are served warm.
29. Peppernuts Cookies
We are still on our list of delicious German Christmas desserts and have the Pfeffernüsse. Translated as pepper nuts, these are traditional German cookies served at Christmastime.
They are typically made from a dough of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and ground nuts (typically hazelnuts or almonds).
In addition, the dough is shaped into balls and rolled in sugar. The result is a cookie that tastes like a rich pecan pie—but without the pie crust! These cookies make excellent gifts for friends and family this holiday season.
30. German Black Forest Cake
A traditional German Christmas cake, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake), is one of the desserts.
This is a dark chocolate cake layered with kirsch-soaked cherries and whipped cream. The original recipe was created accidentally at a restaurant in Baden-Baden, Germany.
The chefs mistakenly used cocoa powder instead of flour to make a flourless chocolate cake. The result was so popular they named it Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte and started serving it on December 1 each year.
31. German Christmas Bread
Bremer Klaben is a traditional German Christmas bread baked and eaten on Christmas Eve. It’s part of an old tradition where children would go door-to-door singing carols and getting Klaben as their reward.
Today, Bremer Klaben is made by families across Germany to celebrate their country’s diverse culture.
Moreover, the bread has a dense texture similar to brioche because it contains raisins, almonds, yeast, butter, eggs, and milk. The dough is divided into small pieces, then rolled out into ropes and put onto a baking tray.
When the dough rises for about half an hour, it is brushed with an egg wash before being sprinkled with sugar and almonds.
32. Gingerbread House
Gingerbread houses are a traditional decoration during Christmas time, but they’re also an edible delight.
The most popular version of this traditional sweet is made of gingerbread dough and is typically covered in icing.
Compared to the other German Christmas desserts, this recipe is perfect for kids to get involved in.
They will have so much fun decorating it. Let them go wild and create their very own Lebkuchenhaus!
33. German Gingerbread Cookies
On our list of the different German Christmas desserts, Lebkuchenmänner is not excluded.
To make one batch of Lebkuchenmänner, you will need butter, melted and cooled to room temperature, and sugar (plus more for rolling).
To start, in a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger. Add sugar and mix well. Slowly pour melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
Next, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the dough for at least 2 hours before shaping the cookies.
Roll the dough into balls (1 inch in diameter) and roll them in additional sugar to coat them evenly. Lastly, place them on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets about 1 inch apart.
34. German Rum Balls
This is a traditional German dessert that is often served on December 24th. Rum balls are made of chopped nuts and raisins mixed with rum or brandy, eggs, and sugar, then rolled into balls. The dough is usually chilled before rolling to make it easier to work with.
You can also add cocoa powder to make them chocolate-flavored. The finished dough balls are dipped in egg white and then rolled in confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar).
This helps the confectioners’ sugar stick to them and have a nice coating. We still have more German Christmas desserts coming up on our list. Don’t stop reading yet!
35. Chocolate Santa Claus
Popular German Christmas desserts include Schokoladenweihnachtsmänner, which are chocolate Santa Clauses.
The recipe for this treat is simple: a whole chocolate bar is cut into small pieces and then wrapped up in foil.
Moreover, this can be done days before you want to serve it, but if you want to serve it sooner, just let it sit at room temperature. When you’re ready to eat the chocolate, Santa Claus, unwrap the foil from around the chocolate pieces and enjoy!
36. German Chocolate Wreath Cookie
Schokoladenkränze is a type of cookie traditionally served during Christmas time. It’s usually made by rolling a log of chocolate pastry dough around a log of vanilla pastry dough. Afterward, the cookies are sliced into round cookies and baked.
The Schokoladenkränze, one of the varieties of German Christmas desserts, can then be decorated with marzipan balls, almonds, and other festive toppings.
In German, these cookies are often shaped as wreaths or circles, so they’re called Schokoladenkränze (meaning chocolate wreath).
37. German Jam Cookies
Spitzbuben are small, shortbread-style cookies traditionally made for Christmas. They’re also known as jam cookies because they have a jam center and are covered in powdered sugar. The dough is usually made from flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.
Spitzbuben is a traditional German Christmas dessert, and It can be found on many other European menus at this time of year.
One traditional way of eating them is to dip them into hot tea or coffee after dipping them into melted chocolate.
38. German Marzipan Potato Candy
When it comes to tasty German Christmas desserts, Marzipan is a confection made from sugar, almonds, and egg whites.
It was created as an almond-based imitation of Turkish delight. Recipes for this sweet treat vary throughout Europe, but one thing is constant: it’s good.
Marzipan can be enjoyed all year round, but it has become a traditional addition to the dessert table for Christmas celebrations.
Marzipan Potato Candy (Marzipankartoffeln) is a popular item on many holiday menus that should not be missed.
This dish starts with potatoes and onions boiled until soft enough to mash together into a dough-like consistency.
39. German Marzipan Hearts
German Marzipan Hearts are common German Christmas desserts for many Germans. They are known as Marzipanherzen and are shaped like hearts.
Most people spread a layer of jam or marmalade on them and then sandwich them with another marzipan. They can be cut into small pieces to be eaten whole or shaped into sticks.
40. Gingerbread Hearts
Gingerbread hearts are traditional German Christmas desserts made for the holidays.
They’re typically served as small cupcakes, and although they can be difficult to find in stores, they’re really easy to make at home.
First up is the dough. The dough combines flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Then, this mixture should be thoroughly combined with eggs and butter until it becomes a dough-like consistency.
Next, divide your dough into two portions and flatten them out into rectangles about an inch thick.
If you have trouble rolling out your dough evenly, use a rolling pin to help flatten it out until it’s about an inch thick.
41. Chocolate Bundles
Chocolate Bundles are a traditional and popular German holiday dessert. They are traditionally served as an appetizer but also make a great dessert.
These bundles can be made from many different types of chocolate, such as milk, dark or white chocolate.
Meanwhile, the recipe is a classic combination of milk chocolate and hazelnut spread. You can find this at any grocery store during this time of year.
So, if you have these Chocolate Bundles, you need not worry about looking for the best German Christmas desserts. This is mainly because you’ve got the perfect one already!
42. German Gingerbread Cookie
The Nürnberger Lebkuchen is a gingerbread cookie, one of the numerous traditional German Christmas desserts.
This spicy and sweet baked good has been served at Christmastime since the 17th century. It is also a popular treat all year round.
For this recipe, you will need sugar, water, lemon juice, eggs, baking soda, flour (all-purpose), ground cinnamon (optional), and ground cloves (optional).
You’ll also need ground nutmeg (optional), grated fresh or dried ginger root, butter, and Confectioners’ sugar for dusting.
43. German Plum Dumplings
The Zwetschgenknoedel, or plum dumpling, is a traditional German dessert typically served as part of a meal on December 24th (Christmas Eve) or 25th (Christmas Day).
This dish contains boiled plums mixed with eggs and flour to form a dough.
After that, the dough is made into small balls that are dropped into salted water before being taken out and dried.
Once dry, the mixture is fried in butter before being topped with sugar. This is one of the easiest German Christmas desserts to make.
44. German Crumb Cake
Streuselkuchen is a crumbly crumb cake often flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon zest. It can be served as is or with ice cream.
Streuselkuchen can also come in many different flavors – apple streusel, banana streusel, raspberry streusel, cherry streusel. The combinations are endless, and this is on our list of German Christmas desserts!
Here’s an example of an apple-cinnamon-vanilla-lemon zest recipe: Crumble Cake Recipe: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Including ground nutmeg, milk, applesauce, brown sugar, flour, grated lemon rind, and vanilla extract. Simple instruction: Mix butter and sugar until creamy.
45. Buttery Spritz Cookies
Buttery Spritz Cookies are traditional German Christmas desserts. There are many ways to make them, but here is a quick and easy recipe. You will need flour, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar.
First, heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit; prepare cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
Then, mix all ingredients until you can form a dough ball. Roll out dough balls to about 1/4 inch thickness on parchment paper or a Silpat mat using small amounts of flour if needed for consistency.
Finally, bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are brown around the edges and cooked through the middle.
46. German Preserved Fruit in Rum
Lastly, on this list of the best German Christmas desserts is the Rumtopf. This traditional German dessert can be served as a starter or as a dessert course.
The ingredients are simple: jars (with lids), sugar, water, and fruit. The fruit is traditionally plums, pineapple, oranges, and cherries.
Cut the fruit into small pieces to begin preparations and place it inside your jar. Add water about halfway up the jar.
Now, ensure enough space to add sugar on top of the water without it spilling over.
Next, add sugar until it’s just below or at the top of your dish, depending on how sweet you like your dessert.
Then seal it off with a lid and store it in a cool, dry place for 3-4 weeks before serving. You can also add cinnamon sticks if desired.
