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    Home » Recipes » German Christmas Cookies

    Terrassenplätzchen - Traditional German Christmas Cookies

    Published: Dec 15, 2017 · Modified: Dec 19, 2022 by Angela Schofield · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    One of the most beloved Christmas treats in Germany are Terrassenplätzchen, which are tender butter cookies stacked on delicious layers of jam.

    These delicious butter cookies are stacked on layers of flavorful jam for a delectable treat that is sure to please any crowd. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack to share with family and friends or a festive treat to bring to a holiday gathering, Terrassenplätzchen are the perfect indulgence!

    Terrassenplätzchen on a white plate.

    Terrassen cookies were always one of my favorite Christmas cookies.  Not too sweet, fruity and incredible moist and tender. They store incredibly well and will stay fresh for a long time.

    If you love Christmas treats, check out my list of the most popular German Christmas desserts. I am sure you will find some new favorites.

    Ingredients & Substitutes

    Terrassen cookies on a white plate.

    Butter: For best results, I recommend using butter. You can use margarine instead of butter if you prefer, but butter gives these cookies their amazing tenderness and soft, buttery flavor.

    Flour: I use all-purpose flour to bake the cookies.

    Sugar: You will need normal granulated sugar for the cookie dough and powdered sugar for dusting the cookies.

    Vanilla Sugar: If you don´t have vanilla sugar on hand you can use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

    Baking Powder: This recipe only calls for baking powder, there is no baking soda necessary.

    Egg: The dough requires one whole egg.

    Jam: Use your favorite jam for the cookies. I recommend seedless, smooth jam. Instead of jam you can use nut butter or hazelnut spread like Nutella.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    How to pronounce "Terrassenplätzchen"?

    Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Terrassenplätzchen" in German.

    click play button to listen

    Equipment

    You only need a few kitchen tools for this recipe.

    • measuring cups and spoons
    • knife
    • large bowl
    • rolling pin
    • cookie cutters (3 sizes: small, medium, large)
    • baking pan
    • parchment paper or silicon mat
    Terrassenplätzchen on a white plate in Christmas decoration..

    Tip

    Try experimenting with different jam flavors and color combinations to give your cookies a special touch! Not only can they bring an unexpected twist to your usual cookie recipes, but they can also be a great way to create unique flavor combinations.

    Storage

    To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, they must be stored in an airtight container. This will help to keep them from going stale and provide you with a delicious and enjoyable treat each time.

    Terrassenplätzchen on a white plate.

    Terrassenplätzchen

    Angela Schofield
    For many, one of the most beloved treats of the season is the classic German Christmas cookie known as Terrassenplätzchen. Made with tender butter cookie layers stacked with delicious jam they are sure to delight.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Share on Facebook Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Course Cookies
    Cuisine German
    Servings 30 Cookies
    Calories 86 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 11 tbsp. butter
    • 2 ⅛ cups flour
    • 2 tsp. baking powder
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 tbsp. vanilla sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 1 small jar of your favorite jam
    • powdered sugar to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Cut butter in ½-inch cubes.
    • In a large bowl blend flour with baking powder.
    • Add sugar, vanilla sugar, butter, and the egg.
    • Knead to a smooth dough.
    • Shape dough into a square, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 min.
    • Preheat oven to 325F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼-inch in thickness.
    • Cut cookies in sets of three – small, medium and large.
    • Place them on the baking sheets.
    • Bake for about 10 min or until edges are light golden.
    • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
    • Place a small amount of jam on the largest cookie, top with a medium cookie, add a small amount of jam on the medium cookie and top with a small cookie.
    • Dust with powdered sugar.

    Nutrition

    Yield: 1cookieCalories: 86kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 4gFiber: 0.2gSugar: 4gNet Carbohydrates: 10g
    Keyword authentic, easy
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More German Christmas Cookies

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    • Authentic Pfeffernüsse - Pepper Nuts Cookies

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    Angela framed by German landscape

    Guten Tag, I'm Angela,
    Herzlich willkommen! I'm glad you've stopped by.

    It is a joy to share with you some of my all-time favorite authentic German recipes and tell you a little bit about the cultural background of my home country, Germany.

    More about me →

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