Print Recipe

German Christmas Cookies Recipe: Make Oma's Weihnachtskekse

This Weihnachtskekse recipe is perfect for sharing with loved ones! Turn up the Christmas music, gather by the tree, and enjoy decorating and indulging in these festive treats!

Servings:

Makes 40-70 cookies depending upon size

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour  
• 2 tsp (10 g) baking powder  
• 2 eggs  
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar  
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 1 cup (250 g) butter, room temperature  
• Sprinkles and other decorations

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare 2 greased or parchment-lined cookie sheets.
2. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy with a hand mixer.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla sugar.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Finish off kneading the dough together into a ball with your hands.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ⅛ - ¼ inch (3 - 5 mm). See Tips below. Use cookie cutters to create different shapes and festive patterns.
   
7. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared cookie sheets.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 - 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool completely.
10. Decorate with sprinkles, sugar crystals, paint pens, or other toppings as desired.

Notes/Hints:

• Roll the dough to your desired thickness. Thin cookies (around 3 mm or ⅛  inch): Bake faster and become crispier, perfect if you like a delicate crunch. Thicker cookies (around 5 mm or ¼ inch): Tend to be softer in the center, with a slight chew.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom
• Replace the vanilla sugar with (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)   
• Use almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla
• These cookies keep well for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container in a cool, dry location
• For longer storage up to 2 months, place into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, with parchment paper between layers.

*  *  *  *  *

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com