Are you learning German? Here’s what you need to know about German biscuits!
A scent of childhood and Christmas
For many Germans, the term ‘Plätzchen’ doesn’t just mean a sweet biscuit, but also an entire tradition, cosy hours in the kitchen and the unmistakable scent of the Christmas season. If you are learning German and want to learn more about German culture, then a trip into the world of biscuits is a must.
Baking cookies – more than just baking
For many Germans, baking cookies is an important part of the pre-Christmas season. Together with family or friends, the dough is rolled out, cut out and decorated. It’s not just about making delicious biscuits, but also about spending time together and creating a special atmosphere. Baking biscuits is a ritual that is passed down from generation to generation and is part of many families’ identity.
Where does the tradition of baking biscuits come from?
The exact origin of the tradition of baking biscuits cannot be clearly determined. The sweet biscuits probably originated in the Middle Ages. At that time, they were mainly baked for special occasions such as weddings or festivals. Over time, biscuits developed into a popular Christmas treat.
The variety of biscuits
The variety of biscuits is huge. From classic butter biscuits to cinnamon stars and vanilla crescents to exotic creations such as coconut macaroons or gingerbread – there is something for every taste. There are also regional differences. In some regions of Germany, certain types of biscuits are particularly popular, while in others they are hardly known.
Grandma’s best and easiest cookie recipe
Who doesn’t know that grandma who bakes the best cookies every year? Here is a simple recipe for butter cookies that is also suitable for beginners:
Ingredients:
- 250 g butter
- 125 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 375 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- Icing sugar for dusting
Preparation:
- Cream the butter, sugar and egg.
- Add flour and salt and knead to a smooth dough.
- Wrap dough in cling film and chill for about 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 3 mm thick.
- Cut out with any shapes you like.
- Place the biscuits on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake at 180°C for about 10-12 minutes.
- Allow to cool and sprinkle with icing sugar.
Conclusion
Cookies are more than just sweet pastries. They represent tradition, family and the cosy atmosphere of the Christmas season. If you have the opportunity to bake cookies yourself, take it! It’s a wonderful way to get to know German culture and enjoy a delicious treat at the same time.
So what are you waiting for?
Grab a recipe, round up your friends and get baking. As you knead the dough and savour the aromas of the spices, you’ll feel the anticipation of Christmas growing.
Keywords:
Christmas
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