I posted this recipe originally back in 2012 and then updated it in 2021 but I thought i would share it again as these cookies are always so perfect during the holidays. These were my daddy’s favorite cookies and I never could pronoun the name right. I use to have to call him and ask “How do you pronoun those German cookies you like?” He would give me the name and then I would search everywhere for them.
When I worked for the grocery store I would make sure that every Christmas the vendor who sold them brought more than enough in. There were years when they were hard to come by but I always did my best to make sure he had them. Luckily, I learned not only how to pronoun the name but how to make them.
While they are certainly a holiday cookie you can enjoy them anytime of the year. Every Christmas I still make these. Even though my dad has been gone for more than twenty years. Christmas just doesn’t seem like Christmas without them. Christmas was my dad’s favorite time of the year and I do my best to keep that spirit alive. It wasn’t always the easiest thing to do and some years it seems harder than others.
COMING TOMORROW: Self Portrait
However, I manage it even in the thin years. One thing my dad always taught us that Christmas is about more than just the presents. It is about the spirit and joy of the season. It’s about the birth of Jesus as well but there was always something joyful about daddy this time of the year. He had an extra bounce in his step. He loved to go look at lights in town, worked hard to decorate our house, and invited as many people as he could to dinner at our house.
He also never went by one of those red buckets outside of stores without dropping something in it, even if it was just the change he had in his pocket. Attended midnight mass even if he had just gotten off work, and worked so hard to give us the best possible Christmas each year. He is sorely missed all the time but this time of the year the pain of the loss of him is even more pronounced.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Flour, sifted
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Allspice
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Mace
- 3 Eggs beaten lightly
- 3/4 cups Sugar
- 1 Lemon juice and rind
- 2/3 cups Chopped Nuts
Instructions
- Measure flour and sift with baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Add sugar slowly to beaten eggs and stir in lemon juice and grated lemon rind.
- Add dry ingredients and nuts and mix well. Refrigerate 2 hours.
- Roll out 1/2″thick and cut with tiny cutter 3/4″ round.
- Let cookies stand over night in cool place on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Just before baking, put a drop of brandy on each cookie.
- Bake brandy side up in 300 degree F oven for 1/2 hour.
- Cool thoroughly and place in tightly covered jar.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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Those look delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I ate it in Germany, it was delicious. I think I´m gonna try it 🙂
I wish I had known about this when I was in Germany, at least I ate a variations of pretzels though.
I bet they were great. You can get these here in the US now. I have only ever seen them during the holiday season here or you can make your own.
Oh, yum. I remember trying these in German class in HS. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Man oh man these sound and look good. I will have to give them a try. My husband has family from Germany so if I get it wrong I am sure they will let me know. 🙂
Looks delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Do you use a cookie stamp for the tops?
It’s nice to have those traditions. Growing up my family never baked anything, so I try to bake often with my kids.
I will have to print this one. These sound so yummy thanks for sharing this recipe.
Thank you, they look delicious.
I miss my dad this time of year, too. I always confuse these with Pepperkakkor, but these look more my speed!
I love reading how fondly you loved and miss your dad. I am always envious of people that have had that love. I didn’t like the switches in the present box story, but you’re not bitter about it so why should I be.
These cookies look really good. I love baking with the grandkids.
Looks great.