Bite-Sized Christmas Delights: Oma’s Clutzens (VRP 014)

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During the holiday season, certain recipes have a way of evoking cherished family memories. One such recipe is Clutzens, a traditional Christmas cookie with deep roots in a German Lutheran family. Passed down through generations, this recipe was shared with the recipe box owner by Dolores Kremer. It may have originated from a cookbook, possibly referred to as the “blue book,” on page 108. But what makes this recipe even more special is its personal connection to a family’s history and heritage.

A cousin of Dolores fondly recalls their grandmother, whom they affectionately called Oma, making these cookies. This cousin was delighted to discover the recipe online after searching for this rare holiday treat, which they thought only their family made. This heartfelt connection to the past adds an extra layer of meaning to the Clutzen cookies, as they’ve been part of their family’s holiday traditions for decades.

The cousin shared some family memories, highlighting their German Lutheran roots and the important role food played in bringing the family together. Their great-grandfather helped establish a rural Lutheran church, and their grandmother, who lived with Dolores’ family, was a central figure in these memories. This simple yet meaningful cookie recipe has become a symbol of family, love, and tradition that stretches back through the generations.

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Clutzen Cookie Recipe

Food History

Clutzens are a unique type of Christmas cookie that’s been passed down through generations of German families. This particular recipe, passed along by Dolores Kremer, holds a special place in her family, as it’s tied to holiday gatherings and fond memories of their grandmother, or Oma. Clutzens are small, bite-sized cookies made with simple ingredients, yet they carry a strong sense of tradition. The inclusion of anise seeds in the recipe gives them a distinctive flavor, which is commonly found in many traditional German baked goods.

Anise seeds, a key ingredient, have a sweet, licorice-like taste and are often used in holiday cookies, cakes, and breads in German and Scandinavian cultures. The use of lard and sweet cream (or evaporated milk) in the dough also reflects old-fashioned baking practices. These ingredients would have been common in farm households, where everything was homemade, and nothing went to waste. The recipe is flexible, allowing bakers to decide whether they prefer their Clutzens soft or crispy, depending on baking time. This adaptability is another hallmark of traditional recipes, passed down orally or written in personal family cookbooks.

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Timeline

• 1800s: Anise seeds and lard become popular in German and Scandinavian baking.
• Early 1900s: Recipes like Clutzens likely made their way to America with German immigrants.
• Mid-1900s: This specific Clutzen recipe is passed down within the Harms family and becomes a holiday staple.
• Present Day: The Clutzen cookie recipe is shared online, keeping the family’s holiday tradition alive.

Recipe Discussion

Clutzens are a delightful combination of rich and creamy ingredients, with the anise seed giving the cookies a unique flavor. The base of the dough is made with a mix of butter, lard, sweet cream (or evaporated milk), and sugar, which ensures the cookies are rich and tender. Lard adds a slight crispness to the cookie, while the butter and cream keep the interior soft and light. Many modern bakers might shy away from lard, but it provides a texture that’s hard to replicate with other fats, making these cookies stand out.

The recipe is flexible in texture, allowing the baker to determine the final consistency by adjusting the baking time. Shorter baking times produce a softer cookie, while longer times yield a crispier texture. The flavor is subtle but intriguing, thanks to the anise seed. Anise is often associated with holiday baking because of its warm, licorice-like flavor, which pairs beautifully with the richness of the dough.

Rolling the dough and chilling it before baking also makes this a versatile recipe for busy holiday schedules. The dough can be prepared in advance, allowing bakers to have fresh Clutzens whenever they bake.

Want to elevate your baking game? Discover the magic behind how to cream butter and sugar—the essential technique that turns good bakes into great ones!

Preparation Tips

• Chill the dough: After mixing the ingredients, roll the dough into logs and chill it. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Use a sharp knife: When slicing the dough, use a sharp knife to get clean, even slices. This will ensure that the cookies bake evenly.
• Baking time flexibility: The recipe allows for varying textures—bake for a shorter time if you prefer soft cookies, or bake a little longer for crispy Clutzens.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Handle the dough gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.
• Anise seed quantity: Adjust the amount of anise seed based on your taste preferences. If you enjoy a stronger anise flavor, you can add a little more.

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• Mixing Bowls: A sturdy set of mixing bowls is essential for combining your ingredients smoothly. Stainless steel or glass bowls work best.
• Hand Mixer: Using a hand mixer will help you cream the butter, lard, sugar, and other ingredients together more efficiently.
• Baking Sheets: High-quality baking sheets ensure even heat distribution, which is key to getting the perfect texture for your Clutzens.
• Rolling Pin: A reliable rolling pin helps roll out the dough smoothly before chilling it.
• Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter: When preparing the chilled dough, a sharp knife or dough cutter is essential for even slices.

Serving Suggestions

• Coffee or Tea: Clutzens pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The anise flavor complements warm beverages beautifully.
• Fruit Compote: Serve these cookies with a fruit compote or preserves for an extra touch of sweetness that balances the anise.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a creamy element that contrasts nicely with the crispness of the cookies.
• Holiday Cookie Platter: Add Clutzens to a festive holiday cookie platter alongside gingerbread, sugar cookies, and shortbread for a diverse selection of flavors.
• Ice Cream: These cookies can also be served with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a simple but elegant dessert.

A Family Tradition Lives On

Clutzens are more than just cookies—they’re a cherished part of one family’s Christmas tradition. Shared by Dolores Kremer, these bite-sized treats carry memories of holiday gatherings, walks to school, and the warmth of a loving family. They’ve traveled through time, connecting generations, from a rural Lutheran church to today’s holiday celebrations. Whether you make them soft or crispy, the Clutzen cookies will surely bring nostalgia to your family’s Christmas table. If you’ve never tried them, they might just become a new holiday favorite in your home, too.

My Why!

Below is “THE WHY” I started this website to “preserve the recipes of our past.” I received this comment on another cookie post from a cousin of Dolores:

As Christmas approaches, I start to remember my Grandmother’s Clutzen cookies. (She was Oma to my brother and me). I wondered if there was anything on the internet about them as her cookie was the only one of its kind I’d ever seen. So I then I did an internet search and find it! Only to see that the recipe card was submitted by my cousin Deloris. Still, our family seems to be the only one that makes this bite-sized Christmas delight.

I emailed the lady who commented, and she replied with the following:

Fascinating. That is indeed my Cousin. Delores is deceased. Her father was my mother’s brother. She was several years older than me so my memories of her were of an older very loving cousin.  I actually was a flower girl at her wedding which made me soooo happy.

Our Harms family was of strong Lutheran German descent. Our Great Grandfather actually helped establish a rural Lutheran church.  

During her high school years, the family lived in Anamosa Is and we lived on a farm just outside of town. Our Grandmother lived with them. I often stopped by there as our farm was on the same street/ road. I sometimes walked home from school or was picked up there. What fond memories this has brought up. 

Honoring Deloris Helene Harns Kremer (1929–2017)

Deloris Helene Harns was born on July 10, 1929, in Anamosa, Jones County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Eduard Wilham Harns and Mary E. Larson Lawson. Deloris married Loras Joseph Kremer, and the couple remained in Iowa throughout their lives.

Deloris’ family roots were deeply tied to Anamosa, an Eastern Iowa town where both she and her parents lived. Her husband, Loras Kremer, who was born in 1926, passed away in 1995, and Deloris herself passed on April 25, 2017. The Harns, Lawson, and Kremer surnames are connected with long-standing histories in the region.

As a contributor to the Vintage Recipe Project, Deloris’ recipe preserves her family heritage and the culinary traditions of the time. It reflects the flavors and techniques passed down through generations in Iowa.

This recipe is shared as a tribute to Deloris and her connection to Anamosa, Iowa, and the legacy of the Harns and Kremer families.

Vintage Recipe Box 014

The box with this recipe for Clutzens contained lots of fun recipes. Click here to read the history of VRP014—Red & White Tin Box.

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Clutzens Recipe