COOKIE TRADITIONS
If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that’s both delicious and full of tradition, let me introduce you to Spitzbuben [Shpits-boo-ben]. This treat has been a part of my family for generations—brought to this country in 1928 by my great-great-grandmother. Over the years, my grandfather converted the original recipe from weights in grams to cups, making it easier for us all to bake. These buttery cookies, filled with sweet currant jelly, have been a holiday must-have in our household for decades [seriously, I can't remember a Christmas without them]. They're simple to make, yet so elegant, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Here's how to make Spitzbuben cookies:
Ingredients:
- 10 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- Currant jelly
Instructions:
- Mix the dough: Start by mixing the softened butter, sugar, and lemon rind in a large bowl until smooth. Then add in the egg yolks and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the flour and knead the dough until it’s smooth and soft. Don’t worry if it feels a little firm; that’s the perfect consistency.
- Chill the dough: Once the dough is ready, wrap it in wax paper and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll out without getting too sticky.
- Roll out the dough: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it's thin. If you have a pastry mat, you’ll know the dough is thin enough when you can see the rings through it.
- Cut the cookies: Use a diamond-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you like) to cut the dough into cookie shapes. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, making sure they’re evenly spaced.
- Bake: Bake your cookies for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly darker in color. Keep an eye on them as you bake—you're looking for a light golden color around the edges. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Assemble: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a small amount of currant jelly on one cookie, and sandwich it with another. The jelly should be just enough to add sweetness without overpowering the delicate cookie.
And that’s it—Spitzbuben cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. No fuss—just simple, delicious cookies that are ideal for the holidays or anytime you’re craving a treat. If you make them, be sure to share your creations with us using #LuvCarolimas! Enjoy!









