In Frankenmuth, Christmas isn’t just a season; it’s a part of who we are. Each year, guests travel from near and far to experience the cherished traditions, festivities, and hospitality that make Michigan’s Little Bavaria so special during the holidays. One of our long-standing Bavarian Inn Christmas traditions is the return of our German Christmas Cookies: Springerle, Lebkuchen, and Pfeffernusse.
Our Springerle, one of the oldest Christmas cookies in Germany, is treasured for its beautifully embossed designs. Crafting this cookie is a true labor of love; the dough must be kneaded and rolled to the perfect height before being pressed into carved wooden molds, each one depicting scenes of German folklore and tradition. Delivering a light sweetness and an airy cake-like inside, this elegant cookie is the perfect holiday treat.
Our Lebkuchen is a true taste of Old-World Christmas; soft, spiced, and lovingly baked in the traditional German style. Blended with warm flavors of molasses, honey, pecans, and the fruit of our cherished Bavarian Inn Stollen Bread, this comforting baked good carries the cozy aromas of holiday baking that have filled German kitchens for generations.
Our Pfeffernusse is a holiday classic! These cookies are delightfully spiced, blending notes of cinnamon, clove, and even a hint of pepper! Rolled in powdered sugar after baking, these cookies offer a soft sweetness that balances the festive spices within. In Germany, Pfeffernusse has long been a favorite at Christmastime, enjoyed with a warm mug of coffee or tea as families gather to celebrate the season.
The talented baker behind our seasonal German Christmas Cookies, Cindy H, has been baking these cookies since 1995. During her time at Bavarian Inn Restaurant as Food Production Supervisor, Cindy was trained by our beloved Matriarch, Dorothy Zehnder, who became a great mentor and friend to Cindy during the many years they worked together. Cindy fondly recalls days spent in the home of Judy Zehnder Keller, founder of Bavarian Inn Lodge and daughter of Dorothy Zehnder, where the three would spend hours in the kitchen, bonding over their shared love for baking. Oftentimes, Dorothy’s grandchildren would join them, passing along the techniques and Bavarian Inn traditions to the future generations of the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family. Today, Cindy says Dorothy’s spirit is still with her in the kitchen, guiding her as she bakes each batch!
In addition to her work with us, Cindy took the position of Food Director at Frankenmuth High School and fed generations of local teens. Even throughout the challenges of the pandemic, she remained dedicated to making sure children in our community were fed. The joy she brings to every meal and every person she serves has touched our community in ways that are impossible to measure. We are endlessly grateful for the love she pours into her baking every single day!
As the holiday season arrives once more, we are honored to share these treasured German Christmas Cookies and the stories behind them with you. You can bring home this treasured taste of Christmas by visiting our Castle Shops Bakery or ordering online while supplies last. We hope they bring warmth to your home, joy to your celebrations, and a taste of the timeless Christmas magic we offer at Bavarian Inn!
