Magenbrot is a German gingerbread specialty that you can find at the Christmas market and fairs.
With this easy recipe you can make the delicious cookies in no time at home. And to be honest it is so much better than bought at a market. These cookies are wonderful with a cup of hot chocolate or a mug of Glühwein.

Gingerbread and honey cake have a long tradition in Germany, their history goes back to the middle ages. But the first recipes for “Magenbrot” did not appear in German cookbooks until the 1940s.
How to pronounce "Magenbrot"?
Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Magenbrot" in German.
German Fairground Gingerbread
“Magenbrot” literally translated “Stomach Bread” belongs to German fairgrounds like beer and roasted almonds.
“Magenbrot” contains many spices that support digestion. This stomach-friendly spice mixture probably owes its name to this gingerbread speciality.
How to make German Fairground Gingerbrea Magenbrot Video Tutorial
Authentic German Magenbrot Recipe

Magenbrot - Gingerbread Bites
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup soft butter
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tbsp. cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground clove
- ½ tsp. ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Knead all ingredients to a smooth dough.
- Divide dough into 6 pieces and roll into logs.
- Place 3 logs on each baking sheet.
- Bake 10 - 15 min.
- For the glaze mix powdered sugar and the lemon juice.
- Brush the glaze on the logs immediately after taking them out of the oven.
- Cut logs diagonally into 1-inch pieces and let them cool on the baking sheets.
Nutrition
Serving Tips
These fairground treats are also very popular at the German Christmas markets. Add them to your Christmas cookie plate and enjoy them with a cup of Glühwein (German mulled wine).
Henny says
It’s delicious it reminds of home
Angela Schofield says
That´s wonderful. Where are you from?