Marzipan Recipe (Traditional German Recipe) - Plated Cravings (2024)

Marzipan is a baking ingredient that is often used in Holiday treats but is also popular year-round for decorating cakes and making candy. This easy step-by-step recipe shows how easy it is to make it at home with only a few ingredients!

This homemade Marzipan Recipe shows how easyit is to make this famous ingredient from scratch! Marzipan is one of my favorite sweets, it tastes sweet, but not overly sweet, has a distinctive almond aroma similar to Amaretto and the texture is a bit like cookie dough.

In Germany, you can buy sweets made from this almond-basedconfectionary in every grocery store, some shaped into Marzipan Fruits, Marzipankartoffeln (marzipan potatoes), or chocolate-covered marzipan but there are also many baked goods and pastries made with Marzipan which you can get at every good bakery.

We love to make homemade sweets and cookies and always have a plate of cookies on the counter. Right now we’re enjoying ourMeringue Cookies,Cornflake Cookies, andVanillekipferl. Check out our favorite German Christmas cookies for more ideas!

Ingredient Notes

Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.

• Almonds – I recommend using blanched sliced almonds because they already come peeled and retain more moisture than ground almonds.
• Sugar – Powdered sugar works best, it gives the marzipan a smooth texture and adds sweetness.
• Almond extract – I like to add a little bit of almond extract for a more intense almond flavor.
• Rose water – Rosewater is often used for flavoring Marzipan. It tastes and smells quite strong if you’re not used to it. You can also leave it out if you don’t like the taste or don’t have it on hand.

How to make this recipe

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.

1. Grind almonds: Making Marzipan starts with blanching almonds or using already blanched almonds, and processing them in a food processor until they are finely ground.
2. Combine: Add the powdered sugar and almonds extract and mix until combined.
3. Finish: Then add water, one teaspoon at a time, until the mixture comes together and forms a crumbly dough. Add rose water if desired and mix until incorporated.
4. Shape: Turn marzipan out onto a surface sprinkled with a bit of powdered sugar and use your hands to shape it into a log.

Expert Tips

• I recommend using blanched sliced almonds because they already come peeled and retain more moisture than ground almonds and almond flour.
• A food processor works better for this recipe than a blender because it is easier to get the mixture out
• The mixture will be crumbly after combining it in the food processor, using your hands to knead it together and form it into a log works best
• Don’t add too much liquid or the mixture will be sticky. Start by adding only a tsp of water at a time
• Depending on the humidity in your kitchen and the weather you might need to add less or more water to get the desired consistency
• You can use different extracts to flavor the marzipan. I recommend starting with almond extract
• Only use rosewater sparingly, it tastes quite strong if you’re not used to it. You can also leave it out if you don’t like the taste or don’t have it on hand

Recipe FAQs

What to do with Marzipan

• Marzipan Potatoes (Marzipankartoffeln): Easy to make at home and a fun Christmas cookie to make with kids
• Marzipan Fruits: How to Video
• Marzipan Cake: Simple Marzipan Cake,German Stollen Recipe
• Marzipan Chocolate: Shape into loaves or balls and dip into melted chocolate
• Marzipan Cookies: Bethmaennchen (coming soon), Mandelhornchen(Almond Horns)

Storage

Marzipan has to be stored in an airtight container to prevent it from hardening and dehydrating. It keeps fresh for at least 2 weeks at room temperature but can also be stored in the fridge.

To prevent the almond oil from getting rancid, it should be protected from direct light and stored in a cold and dark place.

More German Christmas recipes

Tools used for Making this Recipe

Food Processor: I love my Food Processor! It has an adjustable Slicing Disc which is so helpful and it is really sturdy. I would 100% recommend it!!

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