German cookies, also known as “Plätzchen” in German, are a beloved tradition during the holiday season and throughout the year in Germany. These cookies come in a wide variety of shapes, flavors, and textures, offering something for every palate. They are often homemade with care and attention to detail, passed down through generations as cherished family recipes.
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WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPES?
- Rich Tradition: German cookies recipes are steeped in tradition and cultural significance. Baking these cookies connects you to a rich culinary heritage that spans generations.
- Variety of Flavors: German cookies recipes offer a wide range of flavors to suit every palate. From buttery shortbread to spicy gingerbread and everything in between, there’s a German cookie recipe for everyone.
- Homemade Goodness: Baking German cookies at home allows you to infuse each batch with love and care. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the cookies bake is simply delightful.
- Festive Atmosphere: Baking German cookies evokes a festive atmosphere, especially during the holiday season. It’s a joyful activity that brings family and friends together to create delicious treats and lasting memories.
- Customization: German cookies recipes are highly customizable. You can experiment with different shapes, decorations, and flavor variations to create cookies that reflect your personal taste and creativity.
- Gift-Giving: Homemade German cookies make thoughtful and heartfelt gifts for loved ones. Whether packaged in decorative tins or presented in festive boxes, they’re sure to delight recipients.
- Versatility: German cookies recipes are versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea parties. They’re perfect for sharing with guests or enjoying as a special treat for yourself.
- Culinary Adventure: Trying out new German cookies recipes introduces you to new ingredients, techniques, and flavors. It’s a culinary adventure that expands your baking repertoire and stimulates your taste buds.
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTES
Ingredient quantities please refer to the recipes card (Click here)!
- Butter – This is the primary fat component in the cookies, providing richness and flavor. It is a crucial ingredient in cookies, providing flavor and contributing to the texture. Margarine or a non-dairy butter substitute can be used, but keep in mind that it might slightly alter the taste. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Icing Sugar – Also known as powdered sugar, icing sugar adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the cookies. If you don’t have icing sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until it reaches a fine powdery consistency.
- Potato Starch – Potato starch is a fine white powder derived from potatoes. It is often used in baking as a thickener and to add texture to recipes. It helps create a crumbly and tender texture in cookies. If you don’t have potato starch, you can use cornstarch or tapioca starch as alternatives.
- Water – Water is used to dissolve the instant coffee powder before adding it to the cookie dough. It helps evenly distribute the coffee flavor throughout the dough. You can use milk or cream as a substitute for water to add extra richness to the cookies.
- Food Colouring Paste (Pink, Brown, and Orange) – Food coloring paste is used to add color to the cookie dough, allowing you to create the distinct colors needed for the dragon-shaped cookies. You can use gel food coloring or liquid food coloring as alternatives to food coloring paste. However, be cautious with liquid food coloring as it may affect the consistency of the dough if too much is added.
- Superfine Flour– Superfine flour, also known as cake flour or pastry flour, is finely milled wheat flour with a lower protein content compared to all-purpose flour. It results in tender and delicate baked goods. If superfine flour is not available, you can make a substitute by combining all-purpose flour with a small amount of cornstarch. For every cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons and replace them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
These ingredients contribute to the texture, flavor, and appearance of the dragon-shaped cookies. If you need to make substitutions, consider the purpose of each ingredient and choose alternatives that will achieve similar results.
RECIPES TIPS
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and any other ingredients specified in the recipe are at room temperature. This helps ingredients blend more evenly and results in better texture.
- Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for ingredients to maintain the proper balance of flavors and textures in your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially for ingredients like flour and sugar.
- Chill the Dough: Many German cookie doughs benefit from chilling before baking. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and reducing spreading during baking. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for the specified time.
- Rolling Out Dough: When rolling out cookie dough, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll the dough to an even thickness for consistent baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier. It also helps ensure even baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe before baking your cookies. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and properly.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: If you’re baking multiple trays of cookies at once, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time. This helps ensure even baking, especially if your oven has hot spots.
- Cooling Cookies: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from breaking or crumbling when you move them.
- Decorating: If your German cookies require decoration, allow them to cool completely before adding icing, glaze, or other decorations. This ensures that the decorations set properly and don’t melt or run off.
- Storage: Store your cooled German cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for several days, but if you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing them in an airtight container for up to a few months.
By following these tips, you can create delicious and beautiful German cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the baking process and the delightful treats you create!
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Full recipes and Thermomix® instructions please refer to the recipes card (Click here)!
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for your chosen German cookie recipe. Ensure that you have everything in the correct quantities before starting.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your recipe. This ensures that the oven is ready when you finish preparing the cookie dough.
- Prepare Dough: Follow the recipe instructions to prepare the cookie dough. This usually involves creaming together butter and sugar, then gradually adding in eggs and dry ingredients like flour, spices, and flavorings.
- Chill Dough (if necessary): Depending on the recipe, you may need to chill the cookie dough for a specified amount of time. This helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to handle.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to the desired thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or form the dough into balls or logs, depending on the recipe.
- Place on Baking Sheets: Place the cut-out cookie shapes or formed dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe instructions. Keep an eye on the cookies to prevent over-browning.
- Cool Cookies: Once the cookies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate (if desired): Once the cookies are cooled, you can decorate them with icing, glaze, sprinkles, or other toppings as per your recipe or personal preference.
- Store: Store the cooled and decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy them within a few days for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Share and Enjoy: German cookies are best enjoyed with family and friends. Share them as treats during gatherings or savor them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.
VARIATIONS
Here are some delicious variations you can try to customize your Coffee Butter Cookies:
- Spice Cookies: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to your cookie dough for a cozy and aromatic flavor profile. These spices are commonly used in traditional German Christmas cookies like Lebkuchen and Spekulatius.
- Nutty Delights: Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans into your cookie dough for added texture and flavor. Nut-filled cookies are a popular choice in German baking and add a delicious crunch to each bite.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor of your cookies by adding citrus zest such as lemon, orange, or lime. The bright and zesty notes will add a refreshing twist to your traditional cookie recipes.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Introduce chocolate into your German cookies by incorporating cocoa powder, chocolate chips, or chunks into the dough. You can also dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
- Jam-Filled Thumbprints: Create thumbprint cookies by pressing your thumb into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking and filling the indentation with your favorite jam or fruit preserves. Raspberry, apricot, and cherry jams are classic choices.
- Marzipan Marvels: Incorporate marzipan, a sweet almond paste, into your cookie dough for a rich and indulgent flavor. Marzipan cookies are popular in German baking and offer a delightful almond taste.
- Vanilla Crescents: Make traditional German Vanillekipferl by shaping the cookie dough into crescents and rolling them in vanilla-infused powdered sugar. These delicate cookies are a holiday favorite in Germany.
- Gluten-Free Options: Explore gluten-free variations of German cookies by using alternative flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. You can also experiment with gluten-free oats for a hearty texture.
- Vegan Alternatives: Adapt traditional German cookie recipes to be vegan-friendly by using plant-based ingredients such as vegan butter, flaxseed meal, or aquafaba (chickpea brine) as egg substitutes. You can also explore dairy-free chocolate chips and nut-based milk alternatives.
- Savory Twists: Experiment with savory flavors by incorporating ingredients like cheese, herbs, or spices into your cookie dough. Savory cookies make a unique addition to cheese platters or serve as tasty appetizers.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations and ingredients to customize your German cookies according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy the baking journey and savor the delicious results!
WHAT ELSE TO SERVE WITH ?
German cookies are versatile treats that pair well with various beverages and accompaniments. Here are some suggestions for what else to serve with German cookies:
- Hot Beverages:
- Tea: Serve German cookies with a selection of herbal teas, black teas, or flavored teas. Earl Grey, chai, and spiced teas complement the flavors of the cookies nicely.
- Coffee: Enjoy your German cookies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Choose from espresso, cappuccino, latte, or your favorite coffee beverage.
- Cold Beverages:
- Milk: A classic choice, especially for children, milk pairs well with the sweetness of German cookies. Serve cold milk or warm milk for dipping.
- Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a rich and creamy hot chocolate alongside your German cookies for a comforting treat.
- Mulled Wine: During the holiday season, consider serving German cookies with mulled wine, a warm and spiced beverage that complements the cookies’ flavors.
- Fruit and Cheese Platter:
- Create a simple fruit and cheese platter to accompany your German cookies. Include a variety of sliced fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes, along with a selection of cheeses like Gouda, Brie, and cheddar.
- The combination of sweet cookies, tangy fruits, and savory cheeses provides a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Dessert Dips:
- Chocolate Ganache: Prepare a decadent chocolate ganache dip for your German cookies. Simply melt chocolate with cream until smooth and creamy, then use it as a dip or drizzle over the cookies.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip up a creamy cream cheese frosting to accompany your cookies. Add a touch of vanilla extract for flavor and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Ice Cream:
- Serve German cookies alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor. Vanilla, chocolate, and salted caramel are popular choices that complement the cookies’ flavors.
- Homemade Spreads:
- Nut Butters: Offer a variety of nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread to spread on your German cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Fruit Preserves: Set out jars of fruit preserves or jams for guests to spread on their cookies. Raspberry, apricot, and strawberry preserves are classic options.
- Holiday Treats:
- Candy Canes: During the holiday season, pair your German cookies with candy canes for a festive touch.
- Gingerbread: Serve German cookies alongside gingerbread cookies for a delightful combination of holiday flavors.
These serving suggestions enhance the enjoyment of German cookies and provide a variety of options for guests to customize their cookie experience. Choose beverages and accompaniments that complement the flavors of the cookies and suit the occasion.
MADE AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Dough: Make the cookie dough according to your chosen recipe. Ensure that the dough is well mixed and cohesive.
- Chill the Dough (if necessary): If your recipe calls for chilling the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for the specified amount of time. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and enhances the flavors.
- Shape the Cookies: Once the dough has chilled (if required), shape the cookies according to your recipe’s instructions. You can roll out the dough and cut it into shapes, form it into balls, or shape it as desired.
- Freeze Cookie Dough (optional): If you want to make the cookies further in advance, you can freeze the shaped cookie dough. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to a few months.
- Bake the Cookies: When you’re ready to bake the cookies, preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe. Arrange the frozen or refrigerated cookie dough on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and bake according to the recipe’s instructions. You may need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
- Cool and Store: Allow the baked cookies to cool completely on wire racks before storing them. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for several days.
By following these steps, you can prepare German cookies ahead of time and have freshly baked treats ready to enjoy whenever you desire. Whether you freeze the dough or bake the cookies in advance, you’ll have delicious homemade treats to share with family and friends.
STORAGE & REHEATING
- Storage:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their texture.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Choose a container that seals tightly to keep the cookies fresh.
- If you’re stacking the cookies in layers, place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking and preserve their appearance.
- Shelf Life:
- German cookies stored in an airtight container can typically last for up to one to two weeks at room temperature, depending on the recipe and ingredients used.
- Some cookies may stay fresh longer if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Reheating:
- German cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if your cookies have become stale or you prefer them warm, you can gently reheat them.
- Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and warm them in the oven for a few minutes until they are just heated through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for a few seconds until warm. Be cautious not to overheat them, as they can become too soft or dry out.
- Reviving Stale Cookies:
- If your cookies have become stale, you can revive them by placing a slice of fresh bread in the cookie container overnight. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, helping to soften them.
- Freezing:
- If you have a large batch of German cookies or want to store them for longer periods, you can freeze them.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
- To thaw frozen cookies, place them on a plate at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour until they are defrosted and ready to eat.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can keep your German cookies fresh and delicious for longer periods, ensuring that you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
RECIPES FAQS
Can I Freeze German Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze German cookie dough for future use. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.
How Do I Prevent Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
To prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensure that your oven is properly preheated to the correct temperature. Additionally, chilling the cookie dough before baking helps firm it up and reduces spreading. Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats on the baking sheets can also help prevent sticking and spreading.
Can I Substitute Ingredients in German Cookie Recipes?
Yes, you can often substitute ingredients in German cookie recipes based on personal preference or dietary restrictions. For example, you can use different types of flour, sugars, or flavorings. However, be mindful that substitutions may alter the texture and taste of the cookies.
How Do I Store Decorated Cookies?
Decorated German cookies should be stored in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent smudging or damaging the decorations. Place sheets of parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies. Store decorated cookies at room temperature for up to a week.
How Do I Know When Cookies Are Done Baking?
German cookies are typically done baking when they are lightly golden brown around the edges. The centers may still appear slightly soft but will firm up as the cookies cool. Avoid overbaking, as it can result in dry and hard cookies.
Can I Decorate German Cookies with Royal Icing?
Yes, you can decorate German cookies with royal icing, especially for special occasions or holidays. Royal icing can be piped onto cookies to create intricate designs, patterns, or lettering. Allow the icing to dry completely before storing or packaging decorated cookies.
How Long Do German Cookies Stay Fresh?
German cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature typically stay fresh for about one to two weeks, depending on the recipe and ingredients used. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources for best results.
Can I adjust the portion size of the recipes?
Yes, you can adjust the quantities in German cookie recipes to make more or fewer cookies. Be sure to scale the ingredients proportionally and adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep in mind that doubling or halving a recipe may require slight adjustments in baking time and temperature. You can adjust the recipe by clicking the serving size in the recipe in recipes card to your liking!
If you can find the exact portion that you like, you can, also, adjust this in manual mode. Make sure that the cooking times and temperatures have been adjusted for different quantities of ingredients. Please do not pass the max line indicated inside of the mixing bowl. The capacity of the mixing bowl is 2.2 liters.
This recipes is compatible with which model of Thermomix®?
This recipes suitable for TM31 / TM5 / TM6
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Thermomix® TM6RM7,488.00
RECIPES VIDEO
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RECIPES CARD
German Cookies
German cookies, often referred to as "Plätzchen" in German, are a delightful assortment of cookies that are popular during the holiday season and enjoyed year-round as well. These cookies are known for their rich flavors, diverse textures, and intricate decorations.
Place potato starch and superfine flour in mixing bowl, pulverise Turbo | 1 sec | 2 times . Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Place icing sugar in mixing bowl, pulverise Turbo | 1 sec | 2 times.
Add butter, mix 3 min | Speed 3.
Add reserved flour, mix 20 sec | Speed 4. Transfer to a bowl. Shape into a round ball. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 140°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Take a small ball (20 g) and mix with 1-2 drops of pink food colouring. Take another small ball (20 g) and mix with 1-2 drops of brown food colouring. Take another small ball (20 g) and mix with 1-2 drops of orange food colouring respectively. To form dragon, roll remaining dough into small balls (ø 2 cm), use pink dough to form nose, brown dough to form horns and white dough to form the belly. Arrange dragon-shaped cookies on lined baking tray.
Bake for 15 minutes (140°C, middle rack) until the cookie surface look dry and remain pale colour. Let cool completely and serve.
Ingredients
Directions
Place potato starch and superfine flour in mixing bowl, pulverise Turbo | 1 sec | 2 times . Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Place icing sugar in mixing bowl, pulverise Turbo | 1 sec | 2 times.
Add butter, mix 3 min | Speed 3.
Add reserved flour, mix 20 sec | Speed 4. Transfer to a bowl. Shape into a round ball. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 140°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Take a small ball (20 g) and mix with 1-2 drops of pink food colouring. Take another small ball (20 g) and mix with 1-2 drops of brown food colouring. Take another small ball (20 g) and mix with 1-2 drops of orange food colouring respectively. To form dragon, roll remaining dough into small balls (ø 2 cm), use pink dough to form nose, brown dough to form horns and white dough to form the belly. Arrange dragon-shaped cookies on lined baking tray.
Bake for 15 minutes (140°C, middle rack) until the cookie surface look dry and remain pale colour. Let cool completely and serve.
