15 German Christmas Cookies for a Traditional Dessert Plate

Traditionally made with almonds and cinnamon, these star-shaped cookies are both cute and spiced. To give them a different spin, try the pistachio version, and don't forget the thin layer of chewy meringue on top.

Get the Star Cookies (Zimtsterne) recipe.

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These nutty vanilla cookies are covered in a layer of powdered sugar that almost looks like a dusting of snow! Their classic crescent shape and buttery texture is melt-in-your-mouth good.

Get the Crescent Cookies recipe.

Grab a cookie press to make these adorable little cookies. They're fun to make in different shapes and you can even get creative with how you decorate them!

Get the Spritz Cookies recipe.

Thumbprint cookies are classic here in the United States, as well, but did you know that many German families make their own variation? You can try them with raspberry jam in the center or pick any flavor you prefer!

Get Ree's Thumbprint Cookies recipe.

These cookies have a gingerbread-like flavor and soft, chewy texture that makes them so unique. Plus, they're finished with a lemon glaze that's both bright and sweet.

Get the Lebkuchen recipe at A Beautiful Plate.

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These German spice cookies have a distinct kick from ground pepper and a hint of sweet licorice flavor thanks to the anise extract. If you can't find the extract, use 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seed instead.

Get the Pfeffernusse recipe at Preppy Kitchen.

Another anise-flavored cookie is the springerle, which is known for an embossed design. These cookies have been around for centuries and you'll still find them to be a popular holiday treat.

Get the Springerle recipe at The Daring Gourmet.

Yes, the name "Haselnussmakronen" sounds like a mouthful, but it simply breaks down to hasel meaning hazel, nuss meaning nut, and markronen meaning macaroon.

Get the German Hazelnut Macaroon recipe at The Toasty Kitchen.

Traditionally, stollen is a yeasted sweet bread made with dried fruit and nuts. But this twist turns the classic Christmas dessert into a cookie instead. It's sure to become a new favorite.

Get the Stollen Balls recipe at Red Currant Bakery.

These cookies are made up of three delicious layers: a buttery shortbread, a sweet apricot jam, and a crunchy caramelized hazelnut topping.

Get the Nut Corners (Nussecken) recipe at Plated Cravings.

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You can find this treat at a Christmas market in Frankfurt or bake your own in just 20 minutes at home. They're crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and studded with crunchy almonds.

Get the Marizpan Cookies (Bethmannchen) recipe at Veggie Desserts.

You may recognize these jam-filled sandwich cookies from the Linzer Cookies we know and love. The German version is called Spitzbuben and it's perfect for Christmas!

Get the Spitzbuben recipe at Days of Jay.

During the busy holiday season, we love any cookie recipe that can be made ahead of time, like these almond-flavored cookies dipped in chocolate. They can keep in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Get the Almond Horns (Mandelhörnchen) recipe at Texanerin Baking.

It doesn't have to be Christmas to make these easy, one-bowl macaroons. They come together quickly with just 6 ingredients!

Get the German Coconut Macaroons recipe at The Floured Table.

These slice-and-bake cookies have a nutty, caramelized flavor thanks to the browned butter. But it's the coarse sugar on the edges that make them extra special for the holidays.

Get the Heidesand recipe at The Toasty Kitchen.

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