• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Food and Journeys®
  • WORLD CUISINES
  • HOW-TOS
  • ABOUT
    • About Me
    • Notes on Copyright
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Categories
  • Countries
  • Pasta
  • Food Atlas
  • Guides
  • Subscribe!
  • About Me
  • Policy
  • Copyright
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Categories
    • Countries
    • Pasta
    • Food Atlas
    • Guides
    • Subscribe!
    • About Me
    • Policy
    • Copyright
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Cookies

    German Baked Marzipan Cookies (Bethmännchen)

    Published: Dec 12, 2018 · Modified: Oct 24, 2022 by Neriz · This post contains some affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    A staple in Frankfurt’s Christmas market, Baked Marzipan Cookies (Bethmännchen) are traditional German Christmas cookies that you can easily make at home.  Kids and adults would surely love them!

    Updated image for marzipan cookiees served with a cup of coffee.

    What is the history behind these marzipan cookies?

    These marzipan cookies are called ‘Bethmännchen‘ in Germany.

    They’re named after a prominent family in Frankfurt, the Bethmänns.  

    They said that the almonds on the top of each marzipan cookie stands for Bethmänns’ four sons. When one of them died, they adjusted the number of almonds on the cookies as well. 

    Why is the family so special? Well, they cemented their contribution to Germany’s culture when they financed Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s trip to Italy – a critical phase on the life of Germany’s most beloved literary figure.

    No need to worry though, there is no need for you to travel to Frankfurt to try these authentic Bethmännchen.

    You can simply prepare and enjoy these delicious baked marzipan desserts at home!

    IF YOU WANT MORE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS TREATS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, THEN YOU WILL LIKE THESE POSTS!

    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for polvorones, dusted with powdered sugar.
      Polvorones (Spanish Christmas Cookies)
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image forr Julekake, using the right size.
      Julekake (Norwegian Christmas Bread)

    Ingredients

    Latest image (Aug 2021) showing the three ingredients you need to prepare German baked marzipan cookies at home.
    • Marzipan – you can use packaged ones from the supermarket or make homemade marzipan as the base for making Bethmännchen.
    • Almonds – blanched and chopped into halves.
    • Egg – you only need the egg white for brushing these marzipan cookies.  
    Freshly baked marzipan cookies on a cooling rack, before serving.

    Preparation

    Start preparing your baked marzipan cookies by preheating your oven to 225°C (400°F).

    Use a rolling pin to flatten the marzipan and form it into a square of about 7-inch x 7-inch (photo 1).

    First part of the latest (Oct22) collage showing the steps to make German marzipan cookies at home.

    Divide into equal portions.  This recipe typically makes thirty-six portions (photo 2).

    Roll each portion into a ball (photo 3).

    Second part of the latest (Oct22) collage on how to prepare marzipan cookies.

    To assemble each marzipan cookie, place three almond halves on top of the ball, equal space in between, with the pointed side facing the top (photo 4).

    Place the Bethmännchen on a baking tray lined with a baking sheet (photo 5).

    Last part of the latest (Oct22) collage showing how to make marzipan cookies at home.

    Brush each cookie with egg white (photo 6).

    Place the baking tray in the lower part of the oven for fifteen to twenty minutes, or until the top of the cookies has turned golden.

    Set aside and let your baked marzipan cookies cool.

    Serve and enjoy!

    German baked marzipan cookies served, with the rest of the cookies on a cooling rack in the background.

    Helpful tips

    • If you are using packaged marzipan, you need to make sure that it is not too wet.  

    The heat from the oven will make everything fall apart if you don’t have the right marzipan consistency.

    • If you want to use my homemade marzipan, you should not add more than eight teaspoons of water.  

    More than that will be too soft for this baked marzipan cookies recipe.

    • Cover the rest of the marzipan when you’re rolling them into balls.  They tend to dry quickly when left uncovered.
    • Place the baking tray on the lower part of the oven to avoid burning the top of the cookies.
    A closer shot of marzipan cookies, highlighting the texture of each cookie.

    FAQs

    Can I use almond paste to make Bethmännchen?

    I tried that myself – it did not work. It’s probably because of the difference in the texture of the paste.

    Marzipan has a finer texture than almond paste, so it’s quite tricky to hold the shape together.

    Can I eat these without baking?

    Yes, and you should skip the brushing of the egg white when you don’t intend to bake them.

    However, if you are using marzipan with eggs in it, I don’t think it’s a good idea to skip baking them.

    How do I serve these baked marzipan desserts?

    Bethmännchen is great for dessert, snacks, or when you just need something to perk you up. 

    I don’t think you have to serve them with anything, but if you must, a cup of coffee or a glass of wine would do the trick.

    Are you convinced to give these Bethmännchen recipe a try? Let me know!

    Text for Roundup Sections
    • Latest (Oct22) Feature image for Traditional German Desserts and Pastries.
      Traditional German Desserts and Pastries
    • Feature image for Traditional Christmas Dishes from Around the World.
      Around the World: Traditional Christmas Dishes
    Updated image for marzipan cookiees served with a cup of coffee.

    German Baked Marzipan Cookies Recipe (Bethmännchen)

    If you like almonds, you would LOVE these traditional German Christmas cookies! Enjoy these baked marzipan cookies for snack, dessert or any time that you just need something to perk you up!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: German
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 36
    Calories: 84kcal
    Author: Neriz

    Equipment

    • Pyrex Measuring Cups
    • Rolling Pin
    • Rectangular Baking Tray
    • Baking Paper
    • Basting/Pastry Brush

    Ingredients

    • 2 & 1/2 cups marzipan (about 795 grams)
    • 54 pieces almonds, blanched and halved blanched and halved
    • 1 egg white, for brushing for brushing

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 225°C (400°F).
    • Use a rolling pin to flatten the marzipan into a square (about 7-inch x 7-inch).
    • Cut the square into equal portions (about 36 portions).
    • Take a piece and roll it into a ball.
    • To assemble the cookie, place three almond halves on top of the marzipan ball, equal space in between, with the pointed side facing the top.
    • Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with a baking sheet.
    • Brush each marzipan cookie with egg white.
    • Place the cookies in the lower part of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until their top turned golden.
    • Set aside and let your freshly baked marzipan cookies cool.
    • Serve.

    Notes

    • Cook’s Tip #1:  If you use packaged marzipan, check that it is not too wet.  The heat from the oven will make everything fall apart if you don’t have the right marzipan consistency.
    • Cook’s Tip #2:  If you are using my homemade marzipan, you should not add more than eight teaspoons of water.  More than that will be too soft for this baked marzipan recipe.
    • Cook’s Tip #3:  Cover the rest of the marzipan when you’re rolling them into balls.  They tend to dry quickly when left uncovered.
    • Cook’s Tip #4:  Place the baking tray on the lower part of the oven to avoid burning the top of the marzipan cookies.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 54mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @foodandjourneys or tag #foodandjourneys!

    More Cookie Recipes

    • Feature image for Swedish Almond Paste Cookies, with the cookies served on a basket.
      Swedish Almond Paste Cookies
    • Updated feature image for Lebanese Date Cookies.
      Lebanese Date Cookies
    • An overhead shot of aa basket of Venetian Cornmeal Cookies, ready for serving.
      Zaleti (Venetian Cornmeal Cookies)
    • An overhead shot of a basket of Italian Walnut Cookies, served with an espresso.
      Italian Walnut Cookies (Dolci di Noci)

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Image for About Me

    Hej there!

    A smorgasbord of traditional and delicious international recipes awaits you, so feel free to look around and pick your favorites. No need to leave your kitchen to experience the real deal!

    More about me →

    Image for listing as-featured-on

    Comfort Food

    • Feature image for Spanish Beef Stew, showing a serving of the dish, with bread on the side.
      Spanish Beef Stew (Easy Stovetop Recipe!)
    • An overhead shot of a bowl of Lebanese Sour Lentil Soup, with slices of lemon on the side, and a bunch of fresh coriander.
      Lebanese Sour Lentil Soup (Adas Bhamod)
    • An overhead shot of a bowl of Swedish stew, with some boiled potatoes and pickled beets on the side.
      Swedish Beef Stew (Kalops)
    • Feature image of Spanish Chorizo and Chickpea Stew, showing a serving of the dish, with slices of bread.
      Spanish Chorizo and Chickpea Stew
    • Two bowls of Portuguese Green Soup, with some raw kale on the countertop.
      Portuguese Green Soup (Caldo Verde)
    • An overhead shot of a serving of authentic chicken cacciatore.; served with some bread.
      Easy Chicken Cacciatore
    • Feature image for Patatas a la Riojana, served with some bread.
      Spanish Chorizo and Potato Stew
    • Feature image for Turkish Celeriac Soup showing a bowl of it, ready for serving.
      Turkish Celeriac Soup

    Popular Posts

    • Two servings of German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe). Both creamy potato soup servings are garnished with spring onions.
      German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
    • A shot of a pan of Arroz de Tomate, fresh out of the stove, highlighting the sauce and the bits of tomatoes and parsley leaves.
      Portuguese Tomato Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
    • An overhead shot of a basket of Biscotti Regina, served with coffee.
      Sicilian Sesame Seed Cookies (Biscotti Regina)
    • An image showing two bowls of Finnish Salmon Soup served with some bread.
      Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
    • A closer shot of kanelbullar on a cooling rack, highlighting the filling of the buns.
      Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)
    • An overhead shot of a bunch of freshly baked taralli, served with a shot of espresso, with scaterred fennel seeds on the background.
      Taralli (Italian Crackers)
    • Feature image for Salt & Pepper Pork Bellly slices, garnished with sea salt and spring onions.
      Salt and Pepper Pork Belly
    • An overhead shot of a serving of Filipino Picadillo, with a bowl of white rice next to it.
      Filipino Picadillo
    • Swedish Almond Tart
      Swedish Almond Tart
    • An overhead shot of a skillet of Spanish Garlic Chicken, straight out of the oven.
      Spanish Garlic Chicken (Pollo Al Ajillo)
    • A shot of a slice of Swedish cardamom cake, highlighting the texture of the cake.
      Swedish Cardamom Cake (Kardemummakaka)
    • An overhead shot of a basket of Italian Walnut Cookies, served with an espresso.
      Italian Walnut Cookies (Dolci di Noci)

    Sweet Treats

    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for traditional Swedish desserts and pastries.
      Best Swedish Desserts
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for fika post, showing some Swedish treats, and coffee and tea in the background.
      What is Fika? (Fika Meaning + Recipes)
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for Easy Italian Desserts and Pastries post.
      Easy Italian Desserts & Pastries Recipes
    • Latest (Oct22) Feature image for Traditional German Desserts and Pastries.
      Traditional German Desserts and Pastries

    Favorite Cuisines

    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for Traditional Italian Recipes: Regional Italian Dishes post.
      Traditional Italian Recipes: Regional Italian Dishes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for authentic Swedish recipes.
      Swedish Food: Traditional Swedish Dishes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for authentic German recipes post.
      Authentic German Recipes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for post on Easy Portuguese recipes showing two popular dishes.
      Portuguese Food: Classic Portuguese Dishes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for post on Easy Spanish recipes, showing two popular dishes.
      Easy Spanish Recipes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for classic Finnish recipes post.
      Classic Finnish Recipes
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for Traditional Filipino Food post.
      Traditional Filipino Food
    • Latest (Oct22) feature image for Easy Thai Recipes post.
      Easy Thai Recipes

    Footer

    Policy

    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • About Me

    Copyright

    • Notes on Copyright

    A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.

    Copyright © 2023. FOOD AND JOURNEYS®