Christmas Cookie Collection: Pfeffernüsse

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Pfeffernusse is a popular and classic Christmas treat. These small, spiced, and powdered sugar-coated delights have been a beloved part of German holiday traditions for centuries. Discover how to make your own batch of Pfeffernusse cookies to share the warmth of the season with family and friends. Get ready to add a dash of tradition to your holiday baking repertoire!

DOWNLOAD THIS RECIPE HERE!

This PDF file is formatted to print the same size as Sonlight's Recipe Cards so you can easily add it to your recipe collection!

Pfeffernüsse Cookies

Ingredients:

For the Cookies

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (110g)
  • ¼ cup unsulphured molasses (80 mL)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¾ teaspoon ground all spice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract (or can omit or sub with vanilla extract)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (240g)

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, molasses, and honey on medium heat until the mixture just starts to bubble, stirring frequently.
  2. Remove from heat and add the spices, the extract and the salt. Stir well. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for about 20 mins.
  3. When barely warm, beat in egg. Combine flour and baking soda and fold in until incorporated.  
  4. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, flatten to form a 1” thick rectangle, and chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours. However, the dough gets more flavorful the longer it rests so you can also refrigerate up to 3 days. DO NOT skip the chilling step or the cookie will spread too much.
  5. Position a rack in the middle of an oven and preheat to 350° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  6. Remove dough from refrigerator, unwrap plastic and cut into ¾ in wide strips. Cut the strips into cubes, then roll into a ball about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place balls on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until cookies are golden and firm to the touch with slight cracking on top, about 12-15 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  7. Roll them in confectioners’ sugar, let fully cool then roll them again. (Alternatively, you can make a glaze by adding 2-3 tablespoons of milk to the powdered sugar in a small bowl, whisking until a thick glaze forms. Place a cookie on a fork over the glaze and spoon the glaze on top. Allow the excess glaze to drip off then set on a plate or wire rack.)

Make ahead tips: Dough may be kept the refrigerator for 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.

Now is a great time to begin curating recipes to develop into your own Christmas traditions. Sonlight has some simple recipe cards where you can record your favorites and create your own Christmas Cookie Collection.

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Christmas Around the World—Sweden

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in Sweden below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the Sweden while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in Sweden

Sweden is located on the Scandinavian peninsula, in the far north of Europe. Since it is dark for much of the day during the winter in Scandinavia, light plays a big role in the traditions in this region. Advent candles are a typical way to count the days until Christmas.

Another festival of light is the celebration of St. Lucia Day. Traditionally, the oldest girl in the family wears a white dress with a red sash and a crown of candles and carries food early in the morning to her family in bed. St. Lucia Day (December 13) marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden, and St. Knut’s Day (January 13th) marks the end of the season, with singing songs and dancing around the Christmas
tree before taking it down. Learn more about St. Lucia Day here.

In Sweden, decorations made of straw trace their roots back to agricultural traditions. It was an easily available material and used for various purposes. The tradition of placing a large straw goat called Julbock or Gävlebocken next to the tree helps Swedes connect with their heritage. The Julbock is one of the oldest traditions in Scandinavia. It's believed that the Jultomte (Santa) was accompanied by a goat to help deliver presents on Christmas Eve.

Julbock: The Swedish Christmas Goat

Jultomte is similar to Santa Claus. He is dressed in red and has a white beard and leaves gifts for children. Children leave him julgröt (rice porridge). In Swedish folklore, Tomte, a mythical creature associated with the Christmas season, is believed to protect the home and its inhabitants.

Christmas Crafts in Sweden

According to Scandinavian folklore, if you treat Tomte's (little elves or gnomes; not to be confused with trolls) well, they will care for your animals and help you around the house. If you treat them disrespectfully, they will play little tricks or pranks on you. Make your own Tomte Ornament with the instructions below.

Tomte the Christmas Gnome Ornament

This Scandinavian-inspired Tomte pinecone ornament carries a sense of whimsy and tradition, symbolizing the spirit of a Nordic Christmas. Click here for instructions to create your own Tomte made from a pinecone!

 

Christmas Recipes in Sweden

The Julbord is a traditional Christmas buffet and can be eaten for either lunch or dinner. This massive spread includes pickled herring, cured salmon, sausages, meatballs, ham, and different types of bread and condiments. The word julbord translates to "Christmas table". It's a beloved tradition in Swedish households. Though it’s a buffet and can be eaten in any fashion you’d like, it’s typically broken down into courses and you’re encouraged to work your way through several plates of food grabbing just a bit of everything from the course you’re currently on.

Included in the smörgåsbord of food are popular Swedish Christmas cookies called Pepparkakor (a thin ginger cookie). Add a new treat to your Christmas festivities by making this popular Swedish Christmas Cookie—get the recipe below!

  • Pepparkakor (a Scandinavian Christmas tradition!)
  • Julgröt (Rice Porridge that is served on Christmas as an offering to the tomte. Adding butter to the porridge shows that you respect your tomte!)
  • Saffransbullar (Swedish saffron-infused buns) NOTE: Lussekatter is a specific type of saffron bun with a distinct shape commonly associated with St. Lucia Day. Both Saffransbullar and Lussekatter are often used to describe the delicious saffron-infused treats enjoyed during this festive occasion.

Download a Christmas Playlist

Enhance your Christmas celebrations with popular Christmas music such as Mer Jul (More Christmas), Stilla natt (Silent Night), Hej mitt vinterland (Hey My Winterland), Sankta Lucia (Saint Lucia) from Sweden and from around the world. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here.

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these Swedish traditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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Christmas Around the World—Australia

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in Australia below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the Australia while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in Australia

Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, it is summertime in December. Many traditions that were brought over with English settlers have had to change due to the difference in climate and geography. Since much of the population of Australia lives along the coast, many Aussies celebrate the holiday by going to the beach, having a BBQ or picnic, and playing cricket.

Although some people decorate an artificial fir tree, others decorate a native plant called the Christmas
Bush,
which produces bright red, star-shaped flowers that bloom during the Christmas season. People
also decorate their homes with outdoor lights, nativity scenes, and Santa, and include plants and animals that are native to Australia. FUN FACT: Santa is pulled by kangaroos instead of reindeer!

The Christmas Bush or Tree

Carols by Candlelight is a very special Aussie tradition. Some communities sing in churches, in parks, on the beach, and even in amphitheaters. To learn more about this tradition, tune into the InquisiKids podcast above.

Christmas Crafts in Australia

Santa is called Father Christmas in Australia, and despite the heat, he still appears in his red suit and hat
and large white beard. It's a tradition to leave a pillowcase at the end of each bed on Christmas Eve.  Santa Claus will fill the pillowcase with presents. Make your own festive pillowcase using the instructions below.

Festive Pillowcase

In some families, the pillowcase stays at the foot of the bed, and in others it might get hidden somewhere. Once you have your pillowcase, you sit by the tree to open your presents. Click here for instructions to create your own festive pillowcase.

 

Christmas Recipes in Australia

Tradition plays a big part in the Christmas festivities in Australia and often includes a whole feast of traditional iconic desserts, such as Pavlova, rum balls, crackles, and Christmas puddings. These desserts are not only a visual treat to the eyes but also a delightful treat to the taste buds. Add a new recipe to your collection below!

  • Pavlova Recipe
  • See more classic Australian Christmas desserts here.

Download a Christmas Playlist

Australian Christmas music is a unique and delightful blend of traditional carols and songs that capture the essence of Christmas down under. These songs reflect the Australian way of embracing the holiday spirit, offering a joyful soundtrack that resonates with the relaxed and sun-soaked Christmas experience in the Southern Hemisphere.

Australia's 12 Days of Christmas is a playful and uniquely Aussie adaptation of the classic carol, featuring kangaroos, koalas, kookaburras, and other native creatures. In this rendition, each day brings a delightful twist that showcases the country's natural beauty and culture, making it a fun and festive way to celebrate Christmas in Australia. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here to download Christmas music from Australia and around the world.

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these Australian traditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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Christmas Around the World—The United States of America

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Christmas is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated holidays worldwide. It is a special time that brings joy and sparkle to our lives with feasting and special rituals, colorful decorations, and the exchanging of gifts. Traditions have developed around this holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus and
they have changed as they have crossed borders into other countries and over time.

Dive into Christmas Traditions in the United States below. Download Sonlight's Christmas Around the World ebook to explore Christmas traditions from 19 different countries around the world, including 6 of the 7 continents!

Explore Christmas Traditions in the United States while listening to this episode of the InquisiKids podcast.

Christmas Traditions in the United States

In the United States of America, traditions vary by region and by cultural heritage. In general, it is common to celebrate the season by decorating a Christmas tree—either artificial or live—with ornaments, lights, and a tree topper. A skirt covers the base and is where wrapped gifts are placed in anticipation
of Christmas Eve or Christmas Day when the gifts are then opened.

Another tradition is to hang stockings on the fireplace mantle, or if there is no fireplace in the home, some other central location. Santa Claus, the traditional gift-bearer, visits the home and fills the stockings with small gifts and treats.

Many people will decorate the outside of their homes in colored or white lights, some even timed to flash to the beat of accompanying music!

Perhaps one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all in the United States is The Night Before Christmas. Tune in for this special episode of the InquisiKids podcast as we explore the origins of this famous story and enjoy storytime with Luke as he reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas for us all to enjoy.

Many Americans attend church services on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in celebration of the birth of Jesus. Some churches put on pageants, concerts, living nativities, or other special ceremonies.

There are many other ways that Christmas can be celebrated in the United States, some religious and some not, some traditional and some not. However, it is a national holiday when most stores and restaurants are closed in observance, regardless of religious beliefs.

Christmas Crafts in the United States

Popcorn garlands are a classic American Christmas decoration. This tradition of stringing popcorn and cranberries comes from a German tradition of putting fruit on trees. German-Americans brought the tradition to the United States in the mid-1800s. They dyed their popcorn different colors and added fruit, especially cranberries. Try your hand at stringing cranberries and decorate your tree this year using the instructions below.

Cranberry and Popcorn Garland

Add some homemade charm to your Christmas tree with this DIY Cranberry and Popcorn Garland craft! Click here for instructions.

Christmas Recipes in the United States

Food plays an important part of the Christmas holiday with the baking of various treats and sharing them with friends and neighbors. Christmas dinner includes special dishes reflecting the cultural heritage of the family. Enlist your kids with cookie baking this season and add a new recipe to your collection!

Download a Christmas Playlist

In the United States, Christmas music appears on radio stations and in stores, setting a festive tone to the holiday. Check out Sonlight's Christmas Around the World Spotify playlist here to download Christmas music from around the world.

What is your favorite tradition to celebrate with your family around Christmastime?

From traditional festivities to unique customs, we hope these United States traditions add a rich diversity to your family celebrations during this joyous holiday. Download the complete Christmas Around the World ebook to infuse your holiday traditions with Christmas customs, recipes, and crafts from 19 countries around the world.

We'd love to hear more about the traditions you celebrate in your own home! Share your stories on your favorite social media outlet using #sonlightstories or comment below. Have a tradition you'd like to see added to this post? Let us know, by emailing us at main@sonlight.com.

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Christmas Cookie Collection: Befanini Cookies

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Discover the enchanting world of Befanini cookies as you step into the sweet embrace of this sweet Italian tradition. As the Epiphany season approaches, these delightful little cookies take center stage in Italy's festive celebrations. Bake your own batch to infuse your own kitchen with the scents of an Italian holiday.

DOWNLOAD THIS RECIPE HERE!

This PDF file is formatted to print the same size as Sonlight's Recipe Cards so you can easily add it to your recipe collection!

Befanini Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
  • 1.5 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoons rum (or sub 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
  • 3 tablespoons milk (only add if needed to soften the dough)
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Nonpareils

Instructions:

  1. Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl. Make a well in the center and add the butter, sugar, and eggs.
  2. Using your hands, mix everything together. Add the zest, the rum (or extract) and knead. If dough is stiff add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is smooth.
  3. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 30 - 45 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 350F/180C.
  5. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to about 1/3 inch (4mm) and cut into various shapes using cookie cutters.
  6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with egg yolk sprinkle with nonpareils.
  7. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, not letting them get too dark.

Now is a great time to begin curating recipes to develop into your own Christmas traditions. Sonlight has some simple recipe cards where you can record your favorites and create your own Christmas Cookie Collection.

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Christmas Cookie Collection: Lebkuchen

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Growing up in a home influenced by German roots, I looked forward to Christmas treats that spoke of that heritage. Lebkuchen (“leben” - favorite food, very sweet and “kuchen” - cake) is a soft and chewy cookie that is reminiscent of gingerbread. The combination of warm spices, honey, and sometimes nuts, makes it perfect for an after-meal treat, or an accompaniment to morning coffee.

Lebkuchen goes back to 14th century Germany where Catholic monks prepared the treat in monastery bakeries. The cookie was valued both for its symbolic religious meaning and its healing properties. Over the years many variations on this cookie recipe have emerged. Feel free to play with the flavors to find your favorite combination.

DOWNLOAD THIS RECIPE HERE!

This PDF file is formatted to print the same size as Sonlight's Recipe Cards so you can easily add it to your recipe collection!

Lebkuchen

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Put butter out to soften.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies

  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (75g) chopped candied citrus peel (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (such as almonds or hazelnuts, optional)

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking soda, the spices, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add in honey, egg, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If you’re using the optional candied citrus peel and nuts, fold them into the dough at this point.
  6. Scoop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls and roll them into 1-inch balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or with your fingers. (Note - I didn’t bother with rolling the dough into balls, I just dropped a tablespoon full at a time onto the cookie sheet and flattened the dough slightly with my fingers).
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just set and the edges start to turn golden brown. Don’t overbake; lebkuchen should remain slightly soft.
  8. While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon zest (if using) in a small bowl until smooth. Feel free to add additional milk to make the glaze “spreading” consistency.
  9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, using a pastry brush or a small spoon, glaze the tops of the cookies with the icing while they are still warm.
  10. Allow the glazed lebkuchen to cool completely on a wire rack. Once the glaze has hardened, store them in an airtight container. Flavors will continue to develop over the next couple days.

This recipe will yield approximately 2 dozen cookies.

Now is a great time to begin curating recipes to develop into your own Christmas traditions. Sonlight has some simple recipe cards where you can record your favorites and create your own Christmas Cookie Collection.

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Christmas Cookie Collection: Speculaas

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These spiced Dutch cookies are a holiday favorite, with each bite carrying the aromatic essence of the season. Whether you're savoring these cookies with a warm cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones, Speculaas is more than a recipe–it's a heartwarming tradition waiting to be savored. With a warm, spicy flavor, they’re perfect for the holiday season, especially St. Nicholas Day, but can be enjoyed year-round.

In the Netherlands, these cookies are shaped with intricately carved molds. This is a simplified version that requires no mold.

DOWNLOAD THIS RECIPE HERE!

This PDF file is formatted to print the same size as Sonlight's Recipe Cards so you can easily add it to your recipe collection!

Speculaas

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar. Cream together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add egg and vanilla and beat until blended.
  3. In a large bowl, sift together flour and cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and baking soda. Then whisk in the salt.
  4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, one up at a time, until just incorporated and dough forms.
  5. Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on a work surface and scrape the dough onto it, shaping it into a log. Wrap the log in the plastic wrap, and using the palms of your hands flatten the log until it is about 15 inches long and 2.5 inches in diameter. Refrigerate it for a minimum of 30 minutes, but preferably overnight. Chilling the dough makes it easier to work with and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Traditional speculaas cookies use molds that feature windmill or Sinterklaas designs. In order to simply things, you can simply cut the dough into ¼ inch think slices using a sharp knife.
  8. Place the cookies on the baking sheets, spacing them evenly. If desired, drag the tines of a fork lengthwise to form lines.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, until firm to the touch and the cookies turn a golden brown.
  10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now is a great time to begin curating recipes to develop into your own Christmas traditions. Sonlight has some simple recipe cards where you can record your favorites and create your own Christmas Cookie Collection.

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