Traditional Austrian Christmas Cookies Recipes To Try

The aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies wafts through the air, transporting us to a festive holiday wonderland. In Austria, Christmas cookies are an integral part of the holiday season, with each region boasting its own unique recipes and traditions. In this article, we'll delve into the world of traditional Austrian Christmas cookies, exploring the history, ingredients, and recipes behind these beloved treats.

Austria's rich baking heritage is rooted in its medieval past, when sweet treats were reserved for special occasions like Christmas. Over time, Austrian bakers refined their techniques, incorporating local ingredients and spices to create a distinct flavor profile. Today, Austrian Christmas cookies are renowned for their buttery richness, subtle spice blends, and crumbly textures.

The Most Popular Austrian Christmas Cookies

From the classic Vanillekipferl to the delicate Spritzgebäck, Austrian Christmas cookies come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Here are some of the most popular recipes to try:

Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

A classic Austrian Christmas cookie, Vanillekipferl are crescent-shaped treats filled with a sweet vanilla bean-infused buttercream.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6mm). Cut into crescent shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
5. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Spritzgebäck (Butter Cookies)

These delicate, buttery cookies are a staple of Austrian Christmas celebrations. Spritzgebäck are traditionally made with a cookie press or a pastry bag, but you can also use a piping bag or a knife to create the desired shape.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a cookie press or a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the dough into desired shapes, such as stars, trees, or wreaths.
5. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Linzer Augen (Linzer Eyes)

These jam-filled cookies are a classic Austrian treat, named after the city of Linz. Linzer Augen are made with a shortbread-like dough, topped with a lattice pattern of dough strips and a dollop of jam.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (200g) jam or preserves
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6mm). Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
5. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie.
6. Use a pastry bag or a knife to create a lattice pattern on top of each cookie. Place a dollop of jam in the center of each cookie.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations

To add an extra layer of flavor to your Austrian Christmas cookies, try incorporating different spices, nuts, or citrus zest into the dough. Here are some tips and variations to get you started:

• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Mix in some chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for added texture and flavor.
• Use a different type of sugar, such as muscovado or turbinado, to add a deeper flavor profile to the cookies.
• Add a squeeze of fresh citrus juice, such as lemon or orange, to the dough for a bright, tangy flavor.

Conclusion

Austrian Christmas cookies are a beloved tradition, steeped in history and flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these traditional recipes are sure to bring a touch of festive magic to your holiday celebrations. So go ahead, get baking, and indulge in the sweet, buttery goodness of Austrian Christmas cookies!