Best 7 Gewurz Knusperchen Spice Christmas Cookies Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in the festive spirit with our delightful Gewürz Knusperchen, a traditional German Christmas cookie that combines the warmth of spices with a crispy texture. These bite-sized treats are not only visually appealing with their golden-brown hue and delicate dusting of powdered sugar, but they also tantalize the taste buds with a symphony of flavors. Discover the perfect balance of sweet and savory as you bite into these cookies, where the aromatic blend of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves dances on your palate, complemented by a hint of citrus from lemon zest. Our collection features three irresistible variations of this classic recipe, each offering a unique twist to elevate your holiday baking experience.

Embrace tradition with our Original Gewürz Knusperchen, where the harmonious blend of spices takes center stage. Delight in the Nutmeg Variation, where the addition of freshly grated nutmeg adds an extra layer of warmth and depth to the cookie's flavor profile. For those who prefer a touch of tanginess, the Lemon Variation incorporates the vibrant zest of lemons, creating a refreshing and zesty twist on this beloved treat. No matter which variation you choose, these Gewürz Knusperchen are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MOIST AND CHEWY LEBKUCHEN (GERMAN SPICED CHRISTMAS COOKIES) RECIPE



Moist and Chewy Lebkuchen (German Spiced Christmas Cookies) Recipe image

These classic German Christmas cookies are rich with warm spices, toasted nuts, and candied fruit, with a cakey, chewy texture and a sweet, crackly glaze.

Provided by Grace Parisi

Categories     Dessert     Cookies

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 26

For the Dough:
1/2 cup hazelnuts (2 ounces; 57g)
1/2 cup almond meal (2 ounces; 57g)
2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour (12 ounces; 320g)
2 tablespoons (14.8g) unsweetened cocoa (preferably dark)
1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5g) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda
2 teaspoons (4.2g) ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (2.1g) ground powdered ginger
1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon (2.8g) kosher salt
1/2 cup tightly packed chopped candied orange rind (4 ounces; 113g)
1/4 cup tightly packed chopped crystallized ginger (2 ounces; 57g)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick; 57g)
3/4 cup dark brown sugar (5.3 ounces; 150g)
1 cup honey (12 ounces; 340g)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon (15mL) pure vanilla extract
Nonstick spray, for greasing
For the Glaze:
3 cups confectioners' sugar (13 ounces; 375g)
1 tablespoon (15mL) kirsch, Grand Marnier, or rum (or pure vanilla extract)
3 to 4 tablespoons warm water (1.5 to 2 ounces; 45 to 60mL)

Steps:

  • If Making Individual Round Cookies: Chill dough until quite firm, about 4 hours. Working in 2 batches, line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment. Dip a 1 3/4-inch ice cream scoop (2 level tablespoons) into water, shake off excess water, and scoop level scoops of dough. Roll into balls and place 2 inches apart. Bake in the lower and middle thirds of the oven, shifting pans from top to bottom and front to back halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in center of cookies comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Slide parchment onto a wire rack to let cookies cool slightly while you bake the remaining cookies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 131 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 46 mg, Sugar 20 g, Fat 3 g, ServingSize 48 (3-inch) cookies or 48 bars, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

SPEKULATIUS (GERMAN SPICE COOKIES) RECIPE



Spekulatius (German Spice Cookies) Recipe image

German spekulatius-a cousin to Dutch spekulaas-are crisp, thin cookies filled with Christmas spices that are perfect for the holidays.

Provided by Jennifer McGavin

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h42m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
7 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baker's ammonia
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • In a large bowl, cream granulated sugar and vanilla sugar with butter until well combined.
  • Beat in eggs, one at a time.
  • Sift or whisk together flour with baker's ammonia or baking powder , salt, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
  • Stir into creamed mixture until it forms a stiff dough.
  • Shape dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 or more hours (overnight is best).
  • Oil and flour a spekulatius mold. Tap out all excess flour.
  • Roll a golf ball-size piece of dough between your lightly floured hands into an egg shape. Press the dough into the mold, filling all crevices.
  • Use a sharp knife or piece of kitchen twine to cut off excess dough, so the dough is flush with mold. Tap the mold on the counter to release the cookie, or use a sharp knife to start the release of cookie.
  • Carefully place the cookie on a cookie sheet and repeat with the rest of the dough.
  • If this process becomes too onerous, or you do not own any cookie molds, roll the dough 1/8 inch thick (2 to 3 ml) and cut out cookies using your favorite cookie cutters.
  • Bake in an oven heated to 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies brown slightly around the edges. These cookies can be decorated like conventional sugar cookies, but the old-fashioned mold imprints should not be overshadowed, nor should the delicate flavor of the dough be masked.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 47 kcal, Carbohydrate 7 g, Cholesterol 8 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 12 mg, Sugar 3 g, Fat 2 g, ServingSize 8 dozen cookies (96 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g

GEWURZPLATZCHEN (SPICE COOKIES)



Gewurzplatzchen (Spice Cookies) image

Make and share this Gewurzplatzchen (Spice Cookies) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by tweetyfan

Categories     Dessert

Time 12m

Yield 4 dozen cookies, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/2 cups flour, unbleached, unsifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice

Steps:

  • Cream butter, shortening, and brown sugar thoroughly.
  • Blend in egg and molasses.
  • Sift together the remaining ingredients.
  • Stir into sugar mixture.
  • Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls.
  • Place 2-inches apart on greased baking sheets.
  • Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass that has been greased and dipped into sugar.
  • Bake in preheated 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
  • Cool cookies on racks and store in airtight tins.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 595.3, Fat 25.3, SaturatedFat 12.2, Cholesterol 71.7, Sodium 680.5, Carbohydrate 87, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 43.6, Protein 6.7

LEBKUCHEN SPICE MIX (LEBKUCHENGEWURZ)



Lebkuchen Spice Mix (Lebkuchengewurz) image

This classic German spice mix can be used anywhere you want a dash of warm, Christmas-y spice.

Provided by Luisa Weiss

Categories     Spice     Christmas     Cinnamon     Clove     Cardamom     Ginger     Anise

Yield Makes about 1/2 cup/50g spice mix

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 tablespoons/30g ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground mace
3/4 teaspoon ground aniseed

Steps:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. Store in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Kept in a dark, cool place, the mix will stay fresh for 1 year.

SPICED CHRISTMAS COOKIES



Spiced Christmas Cookies image

This delicious cookie recipe has been passed down through six generations and was brought to America from Germany in 1846! It's a holiday tradition in our house and we're proud to share this wonderful recipe with you. -Tanya Juhasz, Newberry, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 7-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 cups molasses
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
8 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons each ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
2-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups chopped walnuts
1-2/3 cups raisins
1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel
1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
FROSTING:
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
GARNISH:
4 cups red and/or green candied cherries, cut as desired

Steps:

  • In a very large bowl, beat the molasses, butter, sour cream and lemon juice until well blended. Combine the flour, brown sugar, spices, baking soda, lemon zest and salt; gradually add to butter mixture and mix well. Stir in the walnuts, raisins and candied peels. Cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, about 30 minutes., Divide dough into 4 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/4-in. round cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° until bottoms are lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely., Combine frosting ingredients until smooth. Frost cookies; decorate with cherries. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 81mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

GERMAN SPICE COOKIES



German Spice Cookies image

These chewy spice cookies are great with coffee and taste even better the next day. The recipe has been a family favorite for more than 40 years.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 20m

Yield 3-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 large eggs
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add the brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon and pepper. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the egg mixture. Stir in raisins and walnuts. , Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until surface cracks. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 105mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

GEWURZ-KNUSPERCHEN - SPICE CHRISTMAS COOKIES



Gewurz-Knusperchen - Spice Christmas Cookies image

This is a German spice cut-out cookie recipe from my mother-in-law! They are absolutely wonderful!

Provided by Sheila M

Categories     Cookies

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/2 c flour (minus 1 tbs)
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardamon *
1/4 tsp cloves *
1 egg
1 stick butter, plus 2 tbs
1 c ground hazelnut
*NOTE see comment below on clove and cardamon measures.

Steps:

  • 1. Cream butter and sugar together until well blended. Add egg and vanilla.
  • 2. In a separate bowl combine all dry ingredients and mix well.
  • 3. Gradually add dry mixture to the butter mixture.
  • 4. Roll out dough on a floured board to 1/8" thickness. Cut with your favorite shaped cookie cutters and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
  • 5. Bake at 350 just until edges start to turn a slight brown.
  • 6. Cool and decorate as desired.
  • 7. Note: These cookies are best when rolled very thin.
  • 8. Photo is from Google images.
  • 9. She says the authentic German way to make these is to NOT use a mixer. She measures ALL ingredients onto countertop, cuts in butter and "kneads" by hand until it is all combined.

Tips:

  • If you don't have anise seeds, you can substitute another spice like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves.
  • For a crunchier cookie, bake the Gewurz Knusperchen for a few minutes longer.
  • If you want a softer cookie, bake the Gewurz Knusperchen for a few minutes less.
  • To make the cookies ahead of time, bake them according to the recipe and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
  • You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer the cookies to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.

Conclusion:

Gewurz Knusperchen are a delicious and festive Christmas cookie that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. They are easy to make and can be made ahead of time, making them the perfect cookie for busy holiday season. So next time you're looking for a festive and delicious Christmas cookie, give Gewurz Knusperchen a try!

Related Topics