Bethmännchen

Bethmännchen have been a Christmas staple in Germany for over 200 years. Hailing from Frankfurt, these cookies are made from marzipan dough that is infused with rose water. Before they are glazed and baked, each cookie is decorated with three almond halves. Bethmännchen are closely associated with the once influential Bethmann family. The legend says that the family’s pastry chef, who was inspired by a similar dessert known as Frankfurter Brenten, invented the cookies in 1838 and decorated them to honor Bethmann's four sons. Although disputed, it is said that one of the almonds was subsequently removed after one of the sons passed away. The cookies are now popular across the country, but Bethmännchen are still strongly linked with Frankfurt, and they are usually prepared during the festive Christmas season.