Marzipankartoffeln: Germany’s Sweet Marzipan Christmas Treat…

In Germany, the Christmas season is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats. One such treat which has become a beloved part of German Christmas traditions is the Marzipankartoffeln, or marzipan potatoes. These small, potato-like sweets are a delightful blend of marzipan, cocoa powder, and sometimes a hint of rum or rosewater. But how did these unique confections become a staple of German Christmas celebrations?

Marzipan, a paste made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, has a history that spans centuries and continents. The origins of marzipan are somewhat disputed. Some believe it was first created in Persia (modern-day Iran) and introduced to Europe through the Turks. Others claim it was the Italians, specifically those in the city of Lucca, who first mastered the art of marzipan. Regardless of its origins, it was in Europe, particularly in Spain, the Netherlands, and of course Germany, where marzipan truly found its home and quickly became a beloved treat.

The creation of Marzipan potatoes is credited to the Germans. Traditionally, these treats were made during the Christmas season as a way to use up leftover marzipan. The marzipan would be shaped into small balls, dusted with cocoa powder to resemble dirt, and sometimes flavored with a hint of rum or rosewater. The result was a sweet treat that looked remarkably like a tiny potato.

Today, Marzipankartoffeln have become a staple of Christmas celebrations. They are small, usually about the size of a hazelnut or a small cherry, soft and slightly chewy. Being rolled in cocoa powder not only gives them their distinctive ‘earthy’ look but also adds a touch of bitterness, which balances out the sweetness of the marzipan. Their sweet, nutty flavor, combined with the fun and creativity involved in making them, have ensured their place in the hearts (and yes, also the stomachs) of many, including mine. They are often found in Christmas markets, nestled alongside gingerbread cookies, stollen, and mulled wine. Many families also make their own Marzipan potatoes as part of their holiday baking traditions.

The process of making Marzipan potatoes can be a fun and festive activity for the whole family. Children, in particular, enjoy shaping the marzipan into tiny potatoes and rolling them in cocoa powder. The end result is not only delicious but also makes a charming addition to any Christmas cookie platter, like the Bunter Teller.

So this Christmas, why not add a touch of German tradition to your celebrations and try your hand at making Marzipan potatoes? They might just become your new favorite holiday treat!

Marzipankartoffeln (German Marzipan Potatoes)

Marzipan potatoes are undeniably adorable and incredibly delicious dessert treats. These delightful confections, known as Marzipankartoffeln, are made by rolling scrumptious marzipan in cocoa powder. Whether you serve them as a delightful addition to your dessert spread or simply indulge in a batch all by yourself, these classic holiday treats are sure to capture everyone’s attention!

Ingredients

•  6 ounces marzipan
•  1/2 cup powdered sugar
•  water
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

• Place your marzipan (store-bought or homemade) into a bowl.
• Sift in the powdered sugar and mix everything together with your hands.
• Add a few drops of water at a time until the overall marzipan consistency is no longer crumbly.
• Take a little bit of the marzipan mixture to form a small round ball.
• Coat the potato in cocoa powder by either rolling the ball in a bowl of cocoa powder (for a heavier, darker cocoa coating) or place a pinch of cocoa powder into your palm and lightly tumble the marzipan ball in the powder (for a lighter, more realistic coating).
• Place the completed marzipan potatoes on a small plate or parchment paper and repeat until you have used up all of the marzipan mixture.
• Store your Marzipankartoffeln in a container with a lid.
• Enjoy!