Bärentatzen are a beloved German Christmas cookie that are sure to delight your taste buds. Made with a shortbread dough and almond flavoring, these cute little bear paw-shaped cookies are perfect for the winter season. Follow this easy recipe to make your own Bärentatzen this holiday season.
Ingredients
- 250g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 100g sugar
- 1 package of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 125g softened butter
- 50g ground almonds
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and vanilla sugar in a large bowl.
- Add in the egg and softened butter, and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Stir in the ground almonds and a pinch of salt.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a large cherry.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and press down gently with a fork to flatten them into the shape of a bear paw.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
How to Prepare
These Bärentatzen are a breeze to make. Simply mix the ingredients together, roll them into balls, flatten them into paw shapes, and bake! The hardest part is waiting for them to cool down before enjoying them.
Preparation time
Preparation for Bärentatzen takes less than 30 minutes. You can expect to have a fresh batch of cookies in your hands within an hour.
Servings
The recipe as written produces around 20 Bärentatzen. Depending on the size of your cookies, you may get more or fewer.
Nutrition Facts
Each Bärentatzen cookie contains about 100 calories, 4g of fat, and 15g of carbohydrates. These cookies are a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation during the holiday season.
Tips
- If you want to add a touch of chocolate to your Bärentatzen, you can dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate. Just be sure to let the chocolate set before storing the cookies.
- Bärentatzen freeze well and can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.
- If you’re making these cookies for a holiday party or as a gift, consider packaging them in a festive tin or wrapping them in cellophane with a pretty bow.
FAQs
- What can I do if my dough is too crumbly? If your dough isn’t coming together, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to the mix to help it stick together.
- Can I use a cookie cutter instead of shaping the cookies by hand? Yes, you can use a bear-shaped cookie cutter if you have one. Just be sure to dust it with flour before using, and know that your cookies may not come out looking exactly like bear paws.
- How long do these cookies stay fresh? If stored in an airtight container, Bärentatzen can stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. They’ll last even longer if stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Enjoy your freshly-baked Bärentatzen with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. These tasty cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
