German Advent Cookies with Dried Fruit

The four weeks before Christmas are called in Germany the “Adventszeit”. Each Sunday a candle of the “Adventskranz” is lit and you would enjoy a glass of Gluhwein and some “Adventscookies”. It’s a special time where people also vis9it the Christmas markets that are in almost every city and town. Happy Baking!

Ingredients German Advent Cookies

130 g butter
90 g sugar
1 egg yolk
lemon zest of 1/2 lemon (organic)
150 g flour
1 package vanilla pudding, Dr Oetker, vanilla, cream or almond (alternatively 1.5 oz corn starch and vanilla flavor)
7 drops bitter almond flavor, see below
50 g almonds, ground
100 g unsweetened, dried fruit of your choice (Figs, dates, cranberries, candied lemon and orange)
dark chocolate for decoration

The German Christmas Box from Oct 30 – Dec 18!
” Memories of my childhood in a Box! This was a wonderful surprise for Christmas. I love everything in the box, and feel it was a nice variety of traditional German Christmas time treats. I have not had this kind of gingerbread in over 40 years and I had tears in my eyes as I tasted it. Yes, it was that good. Thank you for a lovely Christmas present.”

Baking Instructions German Advent Cookies

– Chop dried fruit in very small pieces
– Combine butter, sugar, egg, lemon, flour, pudding powder, flavor and almonds.
– Knead very well, then add the dried fruit.
– Form balls in the size of walnuts.
– Place balls on a tray layered with parchment paper. Keep a distance between each cookie.
– Bake in pre-heated oven on 350 F (less in convection oven) for 8-10 min.
– Melt the chocolate in using a double boiler.
– Decorate each cookie with some chocolate lines.