German Christmas Cookies (Plätzchen)
6 servings
60 minutes
German Christmas cookies Plätzchen are a symbol of warmth and traditions of winter holidays in Germany. Its history dates back to medieval times when housewives prepared sweet treats for Christmas. This cookie has a delicate, crumbly texture and a rich creamy flavor with subtle vanilla notes. The versatile dough allows for experimentation with shapes and additions – chocolate, nuts, and icing turn it into a true work of art. After baking, the cookie should 'mature' a bit to reveal its depth of flavor. It is customary to gift them to loved ones in beautiful tin boxes or serve them with hot tea in the cozy atmosphere of a winter evening. Each portion is a small piece of festive magic!
1
In a bowl, mix flour and baking powder with a whisk. Add softened butter (or margarine), 1 packet of vanilla sugar, and the remaining ingredients, and mix them into a uniform dough by hand or with a mixer. Note, it will stick to your hands! This is the basic dough for making various cookies.
- Wheat flour: 500 g
- Baking powder (raising agent): 2 teaspoons
- Butter: 250 g
- Vanilla sugar: to taste
- Icing sugar: 200 g
- Chicken egg: 2 pieces
- Salt: pinch
2
Put the dough in the refrigerator for half an hour or more.
3
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
4
Take the dough out of the fridge, roll it out, and cut out cookies.
5
Line the baking tray with parchment paper and place the cookies on it.
6
Bake the cookies in the oven for 15-20 minutes (depending on thickness, add-ins, and oven characteristics). Let the finished cookies cool. According to German traditions, cookies should sit for a couple of days.
