The Sweet Side of German Christmas

An essential element of the perfect weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) visit is indulging in delicious treats. This is both a cultural experience and a necessary step to avoid chills in the German winter.

After relishing a satisfying array of bratwurst and savoring glühwein (mulled wine), warm your hands with a bag of gebrannte mandeln (roasted almonds) and enjoy a sugar rush with colorful candies. Here are eight sweets to eat at a German Christmas market.

Stollen

Stollen, a traditional German Christmas cake, is a must-have during the festive season. Dense and moist, it is packed with fruits, spices, and nuts, all topped off with powdered sugar.

Available at Christmas markets and grocery stores, these little loaves are said to resemble Baby Jesus in swaddling clothes. This traditional delight dates back to the 14th century in the regal city of Dresden where you’ll find the oldest Christmas market in Germany and a festival devoted to it.

The Stollen Festival showcases the world’s largest stollen, weighing 3,429 kilograms, measuring 3.65 meters long, and more than a meter high. It is paraded through the crowds by horses, surrounded by the pastry chefs who created it. You can buy a slice of this giant loaf at the Dresden Striezelmarkt, with proceeds going to charity.

Lebkuchen

Often linked with Oktoberfest festivities, Lebkuchen is a gingerbread cookie that also makes an appearance at every German festival. While not primarily for eating, these heart-shaped cookies carry charming messages and are ideal gifts.

Typically adorned with phrases like Ich Liebe Dich (I love you) and Frohe Weihnachten (Merry Christmas), you’ll find a variety of these delightful cookies at the weihnachtsmärkte.

Gebrannte Mandeln

You’ll smell this delectable treat before you catch a glimpse. Gebrannte Mandeln are caramelized almonds, emitted a sticky sweet aroma, served in paper cones. Opt for the classic version or explore delightful variations with cocoa powder, Nutella, or even chili. A cone costs around 2.50 euros for 100 grams, making it hard to resist.

Licorice and Bonbons

Commonly found alongside Gebrannte Mandeln, colorful candies and licorice are a visual delight. Long ropes in vibrant hues are especially popular; however, the salty black licorice from Scandinavia has its own loyal fan base—though it’s an acquired taste.

Hard candies, like the Krauterbonbons, are another colorful choice, rich in anise and fruity flavors. In select markets, booths create the candy on-site, pulling sugar and molding it into fun shapes.

Schmalzkuchen

Known by many names, these fluffy German doughnuts, whether called schmalzkuchen or mutzenmandeln, are delectable treats that are deep-fried and dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

Best enjoyed hot, they not only warm your hands but also satisfy your cravings. Make sure to buy them fresh for the ultimate taste.

Schneeballen

A Schneeball is not just fun to say, but also enjoyable to eat. Literally meaning “snowball,” it is made of shortcrust pastry, fried and garnished with various toppings. Common variations include powdered sugar, chocolate coating, or for indulgence, those with nuts or marzipan fillings.

Especially popular in Franconia and scenic locations such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, these treats can be found at numerous Christmas markets, perfect for taking home as a souvenir.

Fruchtspieße

Candied or chocolate-covered fruit skewers, known as Fruchtspieße, are a trendy treat, featuring a mix of strawberries, apples, bananas, and pineapple on a stick and coated in chocolate, perfect for enjoying while strolling.

You will also discover paradiesäpfel (candied apples) and schokoladenapfel (chocolate apple) options. If you prefer fruit without the chocolate layer, there is an impressive selection of dried and candied fruits to choose from.

Marzipan

Marzipan stands out as a classic German delicacy. Comprising ground almonds, sugar, honey, and eggs, it can be found simply as tiny potato shapes or intricately crafted into animals, flowers, or other food items. Surprisingly, some are even shaped like currywurst!

Dating back to the 15th century, marzipan remains an essential component of the Christmas season in Germany. The city of Lübeck, located in the north, is famed as the world capital of marzipan with the renowned Niederegger brand available across the country.