Bake Your Way to Bliss with this German Wine Cookies Recipe
Do you love traditional German Christmas cookies? Then I have the perfect recipe for you! German wine cookies, also known as “Glühweinkuchen vom Blech,” are a delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are made with sweet wine, and their unique flavor is sure to impress all of your guests.
If you’re not familiar with German wine cookies, you might be wondering what kind of wine to use. Traditionally, these cookies are made with white wine or mulled wine, but you can experiment with other types of wine too. Red wine can add a nice depth of flavor, while sweet dessert wines like Italian Vin Santo or German ice wines work well too.
These cookies are typically made as bars rather than individual cookies, which makes them easy to serve and transport. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday parties, and they make great gifts too. Plus, they’re easy to make – so there’s no need to stress out about complicated cookie recipes this holiday season.
Overall, German wine cookies are a unique and delicious addition to any holiday spread. So why not give them a try this year? Let’s get started on this amazing recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of traditional German Christmas cookies, this recipe for German Wine Cookies is an absolute must-try. Not only are they deliciously sweet and moist, but they’re also perfect for pairing with a glass of mulled wine or even a refreshing white wine– making them the ideal dessert option for any holiday gathering.
What sets this recipe apart from other cookie recipes is the use of sweet wine as an ingredient in the dough. By adding just the right amount of white or red wine to your batter, you’ll end up with beautifully fragrant cookies that have a subtle yet distinct taste and texture.
But it’s not just the wine that makes these cookies so special. The combination of powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and eggs in just the right proportions gives the cookies a texture that’s both chewy and crisp. And if you want to take things a step further, you can even mix in some nuts or candied fruit to create additional flavor and texture.
What’s great about German Wine Cookies is that they’re versatile too. They can be made into classic cookie shapes or you can even press the dough into a pan to make delicious bars or what Germans call “Glühweinkuchen vom Blech”. The latter is essentially mulled wine cookie bars that are perfect for feeding larger groups.
Plus, this recipe is fairly simple to make and doesn’t require any complicated steps so it’s good for beginners who would like to try their hand at baking. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and loved ones at your next holiday gathering.
Overall, these German Wine Cookies are the perfect dessert option for anyone looking for something unique and flavorful to serve during the holiday season. Give this recipe a try–trust me, everyone will be asking for another batch!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful German Wine Cookies:
- 1 cup of butter (at room temperature)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup of sweet white wine such as mulled wine, glühwein, or even Italian al vino
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups of flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- White powdered sugar for dusting
These are the basic ingredients for traditional German Wine Cookies, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some variations according to your taste. Some examples that I like are using nuts and candied fruits or substituting the sweet wine for red wine or even blackberry wine. You can also use wine jelly as a fun addition.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s dive into the exciting part, and that is making these delicious German Wine Cookies! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup of sweet white wine
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add in eggs, vanilla, and wine, stirring until everything is combined.
- Slowly stir in flour, one cup at a time, until it forms a stiff dough.
- On a floured surface, roll out a portion of the dough at a time to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Using cookie cutters in your desired shapes (ex: traditional German cookie or Lebkuchen similar), cut out your cookies and place them onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Repeat rolling and cutting the dough until it’s gone.
- With nuts or candied fruit, decorate your cookies as desired.
- Bake for around 10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before dusting them with powdered sugar.
These wine cookies are perfect little treats for any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
German wine cookies recipe is a delicious holiday treat that you can enjoy with your loved ones. As you experiment in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to make some substitutions or variations to the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas:
Instead of sweet wine like mulled wine or white wine jelly, you can use blackberry wine, red wine, or Italian wine such as al vino.
For a nutty flavor and crunch, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or candied nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
To give the cookies a fruity twist, you can add 1/4 cup of dried fruits like raisins, apricots, cranberries, or cherries.
If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or allergic to dairy products and butter, you can substitute butter with margarine or vegan buttery spread like Earth Balance. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil for a healthier option.
For a gluten-free version of the recipe, replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour such as almond flour, chickpea flour, coconut flour, or rice flour.
To make the cookies more festive and visually appealing, you can dust them with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or cocoa powder. You can also drizzle them with glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
While German wine cookies are a traditional Christmas cookie recipe in Germany, you can enjoy them any time of the year as a sweet snack or dessert. Whether you make them like Oma used to do it or put your own spin on the recipe, these cookies will surely be a hit among your friends and family.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving German Wine Cookies, there are various ways of presenting them. These cookies have a unique taste that pairs beautifully with many drinks, including coffee, tea or a glass of sweet wine. I’d recommend pouring yourself some traditional German mulled wine or a smooth white wine that will complement the cookies’ flavors perfectly.
Often, these cookies are served during the Christmas season as they have become a staple in German Christmas celebrations. They make for great treats that you can share with your family and friends during this joyful season. If you’re looking to add a twist to your menu, try pairing these cookies with other traditional German Christmas goodies such as Pfeffernüsse Cookies or Lebkuchen.
Furthermore, these cookies are perfect accompaniments to cheese plates or charcuterie boards. From mild brie and goat cheese to a pungent blue cheese or aged cheddar, the buttery and sweet flavor of the wine cookie pairs nicely with all types of cheese.
Lastly, these cookies also make for lovely gifts – wrap them up in elegant gift boxes or jars for your loved ones to enjoy during their holidays. Regardless of how you choose to serve them, German Wine Cookies are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to holiday baking, it’s always helpful to have recipes that can be made in advance. Luckily, these German Wine Cookies are a great make-ahead option! Simply follow the recipe as directed below, but instead of baking immediately, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to one month.
Once you’re ready to bake your cookies, allow the dough to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe instructions. The baked cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. If you’re looking to keep them fresher for longer, consider storing them in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat your cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the cookies on a baking sheet. Bake them for five minutes or until they’re heated through and slightly crisp on the outside. This will bring them back to their freshly baked texture and flavor.
It’s important to note that these cookies are delicate and require careful handling during storage and reheating. If not stored properly or reheated too aggressively, they can lose their moist and chewy texture. To avoid this, ensure that they are fully cooled before storing them and handle them with care when reheating.
Overall, these German Wine Cookies are a versatile and delicious addition to your holiday cookie spread. Whether you’re making them ahead of time or reheating them later on, they’re sure to be a hit amongst friends and family alike!
Tips for Perfect Results
Follow these tips to ensure the perfect German Wine Cookies every time!
1. Use high-quality ingredients: To achieve the authentic taste and texture of the German Wine Cookies, use high-quality ingredients such as sweet wine, butter, and eggs. A good quality wine will enhance the flavor profile of your cookies.
2. Properly measure your ingredients: Follow the recipe closely and measure all the ingredients carefully, especially the flour. Too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly.
3. Chill your dough: Once you have mixed your dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will make it easier to roll out the dough and cut it into shapes.
4. Don’t overbake: The key to achieving moist and chewy German Wine Cookies is to not overbake them. Keep a close eye on your cookies while they are in the oven, and pull them out when they are just lightly golden brown around the edges.
5. Get creative with variations – Try different wine flavors or add nuts, candied fruit or spices to create a unique spin on this traditional recipe!
6. Store properly: Store your German Wine Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer than that, store them in the fridge or freezer.
By following these easy steps, you’ll be able to create delicious German Wine Cookies that will impress all your family and friends!
FAQ
As a sommelier, I understand that sometimes questions arise when trying out a new recipe. That’s why I’ve gathered the most commonly asked questions about German Wine Cookies and answered them below to ensure your baking experience is a success. Let’s dive into some FAQs!
What is the most popular cookie in Germany?
Let’s indulge in Germany’s all-time favorite biscuit – the Lebkuchen, also commonly known as gingerbread.
What is Lebkuchen similar to?
Lebkuchen is a type of sweet baked good that bears a resemblance to gingerbread, but with a different texture. It is available in differing forms and dimensions, and is occasionally decorated with a variety of icings, glazes, and nuts.
What is the name of a German cookie?
Indulge in the delicious flavors of gingerbread this holiday season with one of the most loved German cookies – Lebkuchen. These soft and chewy treats are the perfect addition to your cookie platter and are often glazed to perfection. Head over to A Beautiful Plate for the recipe and enjoy making them at home.
What are German cookies made of?
These delectable treats are created using a blend of nuts, candied peel, and a homemade mixture of gingerbread spices that include nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice. Zimtsterne or Cinnamon Stars, a timeless German Christmas delicacy, are produced from finely ground nuts, offering a chewy texture and being free of gluten.
Bottom Line
Now that you have the recipe for these delicious German Wine Cookies, it’s time to get baking! These cookies are a perfect addition to any holiday party or gathering. They are moist, chewy, and have just the right amount of sweetness from the powdered sugar and wine jelly.
In addition to being a tasty dessert treat, these German Wine Cookies also pair well with a variety of dishes. The sweet wine in the recipe makes it an ideal dessert for pairing with rich savory dishes like roasted meats or stews. It’s also a great option for a post-dinner indulgence.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the white wine for red wine or mulled wine to give these cookies a richer flavor. You can even experiment with different nuts or candied fruits to add your own personal touch.
Given how easy it is to make these cookies, there is no reason not to give them a try! So go ahead and impress your friends and family with a batch of traditional German Christmas cookies made like Oma used to make them. Trust me, they won’t be disappointed!
German Wine Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
COOKIES
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup sweet wine (Port or Cream Sherry)
- 5 -5 1/2 cups flour
ICING
- 1 lb powdered sugar
- 1 -2 tablespoon milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together. Beat in eggs, vanilla and wine. Stir in flour, one cup at a time. Dough will be stiff. Roll out dough, on well-floured pastry sheet, to a 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutter. Bake on greased cookie sheet for 10 minutes.
- Make icing by combining above ingredients. (Should be an almost runny consistency). Frost cookies. These cookies will keep for up to one year in an airtight container.