German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. These delightful German treats feature a buttery, nutty flavor and are filled with sweet sour cherry jam. The tradition of making Spitzbuben cookies dates back centuries in Germany, where they are often enjoyed during Christmas festivities. With their beautiful cookie shapes and sweet filling, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into making these mouth-watering cookies that will fill your kitchen with delightful scents and warmth this holiday season!
What You’ll Need for German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
To create these delicious German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 100 g (about 3.5 oz) macadamia nuts, almonds, or hazelnuts
- 300 g (about 2.5 cups) sifted flour
- 150 g (about 1.25 cups) powdered sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 200 g (about 7 oz) butter, cooled
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200 g (about 3/4 cup) sour cherry jam
- 1 tbsp rum, vodka, or schnapps
- 2 tbsp sugar (for Black Forest filling)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for Black Forest filling)
- 1 to 2 tbsp kirsch (for Black Forest filling)
How to Make German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
Follow these steps to create your delicious German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies:
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Toast the Nuts: Begin by toasting your chosen nuts (macadamia, almonds, or hazelnuts) in a pan without any oil. Once they are golden and fragrant, set them aside to cool completely.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sifted flour and powdered sugar. Use a food processor to grind the cooled nuts into small pieces, adding a bit of the flour to prevent them turning into a paste. Combine the ground nuts with the flour mixture.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Grate the cooled butter into the dry mixture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix everything together until clumps start to form.
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Chill the Dough: Knead the dough into a ball, then divide it in two. Shape each piece into flat discs, wrap them in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
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Preheat and Roll Out: Preheat your oven to 180°C (375°F). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough to about 4 mm thick and cut out your desired shapes. Place the cookies on the baking sheets and freeze them for a few minutes before baking for 8 to 9 minutes.
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Cool the Cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
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Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the sour cherry jam with a tablespoon of your chosen liqueur. Spread this mixture on the bottom of half of the cookies.
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Assemble the Cookies: Dust the tops of the remaining cookies with powdered sugar, sandwich them together over the jam-filled cookies, and fill the centers with extra jam.
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Black Forest Variation: If you want to make a Black Forest filling, prepare the filling by boiling the jam with sugar and cocoa powder, then stir in kirsch. Use this filling in place of the sour cherry jam.
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Storage: Store your delicious cookies in an airtight container for several days, ensuring they remain fresh and delightful.
How to Serve German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
These delectable cookies make for an elegant holiday treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them on a festive platter at your holiday gatherings, alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
For an added festive touch, you might consider sprinking festive-colored sprinkles on top of the jam before sandwiching. These cookies also make wonderful homemade gifts when packaged in a decorative box for family and friends.
Helpful Tricks for German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
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Nut Options: Feel free to experiment with different nuts based on your preference. Almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts all create a unique flavor.
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Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to roll out.
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Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the dough or the jam filling.
German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of jam?
A: Absolutely! While sour cherry jam is traditional, feel free to use your favorite fruit jam for a personal touch.
Q: How long do these cookies last?
A: When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last for several days. They may even taste better after a day or two as the flavors continue to meld.
Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies. Just ensure they are layered with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking.
Bring the taste of German tradition into your home with these delightful German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies. They’re not just cookies; they’re a sweet treat filled with holiday cheer. Enjoy the baking process, share with loved ones, and savor every bite! Happy baking!
German Spitzbuben Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 100 g macadamia nuts, almonds, or hazelnuts Toast these nuts before adding.
- 300 g sifted flour
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 200 g butter, cooled Grated into the mixture.
- 1 ea egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
- 200 g sour cherry jam Mixed with liqueur for filling.
- 1 tbsp rum, vodka, or schnapps Choose your favorite liqueur.
- 2 tbsp sugar For Black Forest filling.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder For Black Forest filling.
- 1 to 2 tbsp kirsch For Black Forest filling.
Instructions
Preparation
- Toast the nuts in a pan without any oil until golden and fragrant, then let them cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the sifted flour and powdered sugar. Process the cooled nuts into small pieces and combine with the flour mixture.
- Grate the cooled butter into the dry mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until clumps form.
- Knead the dough into a ball, divide it in two, shape into flat discs, wrap in cling film, and chill for at least 2 hours.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (375°F) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 4 mm thick, cut out shapes, and freeze them for a few minutes.
- Bake for 8 to 9 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
Assembling
- Mix the sour cherry jam with liqueur and spread it on half of the cookies.
- Dust the tops of the remaining cookies with powdered sugar and sandwich them over the jam-filled cookies.
- Fill the centers with extra jam.
Black Forest Variation
- For a variation, boil the jam with sugar and cocoa powder, then stir in kirsch.

