18 German Christmas Recipes for the Holiday Season

Stollen is one of Germany’s most beloved Christmas recipes.

It is similar to British fruit cake but in sweet bread form. It contains an array of warming nuts, dried fruits, and spices, and is covered in powdered sugar. 

This recipe adds marzipan for added richness and advises making the bread 2-3 weeks early to optimize flavor. 

Similar to its famous Swiss counterpart, the word Raclette refers to both the creamy and decadent German cheese itself, and the way of eating it. 

This is a classic party food and this recipe gives you everything you need to host your own delicious and festive raclette party. 

Rotkohl is one of the most iconic German dishes found in almost every German home as a side to many meals.

It is a simple sweet and sour red cabbage dish that pairs perfectly with hearty meats and potatoes that are staples of Christmas dinner.

This recipe is super easy and mainly involves throwing all the ingredients into a dutch oven to cook down. 

Goose is an uncommon choice of poultry in the United States, but it’s a great option if you’re looking to try something new.

Goose is the preferred choice for festive occasions in Germany because it’s easy to prepare and so delicious.

Try this simple recipe out this year and you might make the switch forever. 

Lebkuchen is a traditional German Christmas cookie that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

It is similar to the traditional American gingerbread cookie but much softer with the addition of honey, almonds, and marmalade. 

Top this cookie with a simple but delicious lemon and powdered-sugar glaze. 

Check out other famous Christmas cookies to leave out for Santa.

Pfeffernusse are a type of German spice cookie that is as ubiquitous around Christmas as gingerbread.

They are simple to make and perfect to add to a cookie gift bag.

This recipe includes all the best winter spices like cardamom, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon.

The added molasses and candied orange peel make the texture to die for. 

Here is another ubiquitous German recipe enjoyed year-round but especially at Chrismas.

Spaetzle is a Bavarian dish that is a cross between a dumpling and a noodle. 

They can be eaten with cheese or sour cream, but this traditional Jägerspätzle is made with delicious mushroom gravy. 

Nothing screams Christmas in Germany more than a comforting mug of mulled wine while the snow is falling.

This hot alcoholic drink is a staple at Christmas markets and is perfect to make at home.

Red wine is simmered with warming spices like star anise and cardamom pods and served with a whole cinnamon stick. 

This is a classic German cocktail.

Krautstrudel is a savory cabbage roll that is enjoyed throughout winter in Germany, especially around the holidays.

It is easy to make but delivers an amazing depth of flavor. 

Pre-made phyllo dough is wrapped around shredded green cabbage and bacon bits and baked until crispy and moist inside. 

Comfort food and superfood in one dish? Sign me up!

This classic German dish is a full meal consisting of sausage and cooked kale, with a cheeky bit of bacon added in. 

This dish is quick and simple, as the sausages can be cooked simultaneously with the kale.

Serve with some potatoes, and you have the most comforting meal. 

These are another essential German Christmas cookies ideal for dunking in a steaming mug of tea. The almond flavor is strong but not overpowering. 

This is a fun recipe to make with kids because the dough is simple, and decorate the cookies with melted chocolate and sprinkles. 

Another delicious addition to your German cookie platter, these nut corners start with a buttery shortbread cookie and incorporate sweet apricot jam and a crunchy hazelnut topping. What’s not to love? 

These cookies are layered, cut into triangles, and sometimes dipped in chocolate for an extra special. 

Vanillekipferl is one of the most famous German cookies that have even made its way to American bakeries.

They are shaped like crescents, flavored with subtle vanilla, and coated in powdered sugar.

This is one of the easiest cookie recipes on the list, and their shape is very forgiving–perfect for beginner bakers!  

The words “potato” and “cake” might not strike you as a good combination.

But trust me, once you’ve tried this savory bread/cake loaf, you will be a convert.

This loaf is made with grated potatoes, bacon, and aromatics and perfectly served alongside a bright green salad and sour cream. 

Obatzda is a German cheese spread that won’t be missing from any holiday table.

This classic Bavarian dish combines beer and creamy camembert cheese for an intense and addictive flavor.

This dish is commonly used as a side to dip pretzels or crackers in. If you want to get creative, try putting some on pasta or roast potatoes. 

Another Bavarian specialty, Semmelknödel are bread dumplings drenched in savory gravy and can be eaten as a side or main dish. 

This simple recipe uses ingredients you’ll already have on hand.

You can make it even easier by using pre-packaged unseasoned bread stuffing from the supermarket. 

These little balls of joy are also known as “marzipan potatoes.”

They are a classic treat made during the holidays and included in gift bags for friends and neighbors. 

The recipe is super easy and uses only six ingredients. The best part is you don’t need to bake them – just blitz all the ingredients together and cover them in cocoa powder and cinnamon. 

Check out other German desserts if you like these!

Last on our list, Roulanden is a favorite Christmas Eve dinner throughout Germany.

Translated as “meat rolls”, this dish consists of tender rolls of thinly-sliced roast beef stuffed with pickles and bacon. 

The delicious rolls are simmered low and slow in a wine-based gravy. Serve these delectable morsels with the sweet and sour red cabbage from above.