Authentic German Mohnplätzchen (Poppy Seed Cookies) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g all-purpose flour
  • 100g ground poppy seeds
  • 100g sugar
  • 1 packet of vanilla sugar (approx. 8g)
  • 1 egg
  • 100g cold butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glazing)
  • Icing sugar (for dusting)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground poppy seeds, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Add the egg and the cold butter, cut into small pieces. Use your hands to knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
  4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1cm.
  5. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. In a small bowl, beat together the egg yolk and milk to make the glaze. Brush this over the top of each cookie.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cool, dust the cookies with icing sugar before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to combine and mix the ingredients.
  • Rolling pin - A tool used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Cookie cutter - Used to cut out shapes from the dough.
  • Baking sheet - A flat sheet used to place the cookies for baking.
  • Parchment paper - Used to line the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  • Small bowl - Used to prepare the glaze by mixing the egg yolk and milk.
  • Pastry brush - A brush used to apply the glaze onto the cookies.
  • Wire rack - A rack used for cooling the cookies after baking.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a spiced twist.
  • Include a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for added texture.
  • Add a tablespoon of rum or rum extract for a boozy flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Replace the ground poppy seeds with ground almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
  • Add a teaspoon of almond extract for an almond-flavored variation.
  • Sprinkle some chocolate chips or chopped chocolate on top of the cookies before baking for a chocolatey twist.
  • For a fruity twist, mix in a tablespoon of finely grated orange zest or lemon zest.

Recipe overview

Mohnplätzchen, or poppy seed cookies, are a traditional German treat that are perfect for any occasion, but they're particularly popular during the festive Christmas season. Made from a simple dough that includes ground poppy seeds for a distinct, nutty flavor, these cookies are then glazed with a mixture of egg yolk and milk for a beautiful golden finish. After a short bake in the oven, they come out crisp and lightly sweet, with a lovely poppy seed crunch. A dusting of icing sugar adds the final sweet touch. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it an excellent choice for baking beginners and seasoned pros alike. Enjoy these delicious cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or package them up for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the ground poppy seeds with something else?
    Yes, if you don't have ground poppy seeds, you can substitute them with ground almonds or hazelnuts.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
    Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but keep in mind that it may affect the taste and texture of the cookies slightly.
  3. Can I freeze the dough or the baked cookies?
    Yes, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. If freezing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. To freeze the baked cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
  4. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
    When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week.
  5. Can I add other flavors such as almond extract or cinnamon?
    Yes, you can add other flavors to the dough if desired. Almond extract or a small amount of ground cinnamon can be added to enhance the taste of the cookies.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used to place the cookie dough for baking.
  • Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.
  • Large bowl - Used to mix the dry ingredients together.
  • Cookie cutter - Used to cut out shapes from the cookie dough.
  • Small bowl - Used to prepare the egg yolk and milk glaze.
  • Pastry brush - Used to brush the glaze onto the cookies.
  • Wire rack - Used to cool the baked cookies evenly.

Origin stories

Mohnplätzchen, these little poppy seed gems, hail from Germany, a land with a rich tradition of baking, particularly around the holiday season. The poppy seed is a beloved baking ingredient in Germany, featured prominently in a variety of sweet treats and savory dishes. Remarkably, the use of poppy seeds in German cuisine dates back to the Middle Ages. These humble seeds were considered a symbol of prosperity and good luck, often used in New Year's dishes to invite abundance in the coming year. Today, the crunch and subtle nutty flavor of poppy seeds continue to delight in recipes such as Mohnplätzchen, carrying centuries-old traditions into modern kitchens.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.