Coffee and Cake, an Afternoon Break

When visiting Germany a few years ago I came across a wonderful tradition…at the time I didn’t know it to be a tradition but I was happy to be able to partake in it 🙂

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We were hanging out at my German friend’s house when her parents came home and called us down for Kaffee and Kuchen (Coffee and Cake). At first I thought it was some kind of celebration but I learned that this is an old tradition in the German culture to take an afternoon break to enjoy a treat and visit with family and friends.

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I am jealous of this tradition. It makes people pause in their busy lives to visit with loved ones. With technology that allows us to stay connected 24/7, a tradition that gives us a moment to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures would help remind us of the important things in life.

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This last Friday I had my own “Kaffee and Kuchen” or more like Coffee and Cookies. My sister came over to visit and we enjoyed coffee and thumbprint cookies. Though there was plenty for me to do it felt so nice to take a little break to catch up with my sister and enjoy this tasty treat.

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Kaffee and Kuchen is a great tradition that I hope to implement more in my own life and when I have a family I hope to create a similar tradition. In these modern times I fear even the Germans may be losing this tradition but I hope they will keep it alive!

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Thumbprint Cookies

Adapted from a family friend

1 c. butter, soft
1/2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1/2 t.
2 1/2 c. flour
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 c. walnuts, chopped

Start by beating the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla.

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Gradually add the flour and salt mixture. Stir in chopped walnuts. Taste the dough! It is so buttery and nutty 😛

Roll the dough into 1 in. balls.

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Make indentations in the dough.

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Fill with raspberry jam. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Check the cookies at about 8 minutes but depending on the size they will roughly take 12 minutes.

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Take a break this week. Enjoy a moment with someone you love 😀

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You May Also Enjoy:

Angel Food Cake

Angel Food Cake

Choc White Choc Chunk Cookies

Choc White Choc Chunk Cookies

Dunkel-style beer

Dunkel-style beer

DSCN5791

Weissbier

Comments

  1. cookies so pretty!

  2. Great idea! The cookies look delicious

  3. Those cookies look incredibly delish 🙂

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  4. These look great! I bet you could use strawberry jam, too. I happen to have a surplus of strawberry jam. 🙂

  5. When I was 16 I spent my summer in Germany visiting relatives. That’s when I started drinking coffee. Coffee and cake in the afternoon is always fun especially at an outdoor cafe with beautiful scenery.

    Those cookies look yummy. My mom used to make these….happy holidays!

    • Isn’t it just the best tradition?! Except for those that may not like sweets…but they are just crazy!! 😛

      Thanks Ingrid for commenting! My mother made these cookies first and I was in love so I stole the recipe 😀 They are so simple and quick to make.

  6. I love afternoon tea, I love it even better when I dot down and enjoy it with friends! Your thrum print cookies are gorgeous and I’m sure your sister enjoyed every bite with you too 🙂

  7. That’s my kind of tradition: coffee and cookies and sister time! Your thumbprints are beautiful and look delicious.

  8. Lovely photos 🙂

  9. thumbprint cookies are one of my favorite! So chewy and delicious. Will have to give your recipe a try. Hey wait… no beer to go with the cookies…? LOL I agree tea might be better.

    • ha ha ya, thumbprint cookies are a favorite of mine too! Coffee, tea or eggnog with these ones 😀 But soon I will be posting a chocolate and wine pairing 🙂

      Thanks for taking the time to comment! It is very much appreciated.

  10. Yum! Love thumbprint cookies, a huge part of my childhood! I am going to try this with nieces this Xmas, great idea!

    • Oh that sounds fun!! I took a couple of these to my niece…she is totally a chocolate girl…she tried one and was like meh, lol. Hey, more for me! 😀

  11. Yum yum! Love it!

  12. Am loving the idea of such a tradition – and your baked goods look gorge 🙂

  13. It is a great tradition, and we really do need to take time to switch all the devices off every now and again and speak with our family and friends. Those cookies look fab!

  14. Great little story about tradition. I get to do this with my sister when she’s on her breaks from teaching… it’s my favorite. Also… does it get much better than thumbprint cookies? Every variety is awesome. Yours look great!

  15. I love these gorgeous cookies. So scrumptious too!

  16. What a great tradition! I should start that – my wife and I both work at home, so we have plenty of opportunity. Great cookie. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a thumbprint cookie, and they are always so much fun! Good

  17. I love this tradition. When I make time for it, it’s my favorite part of the day! Great recipe, too. Thanks!

  18. My cousins on the east coast practiced kaffee kuchen too. It’s like an afternoon meditation and I wish I could keep it up. We often do it at least on Sundays. Lovely thumbprints.

    • Ya it might be excessive doing it every day but at least one day a week is good 😀 Sundays are a great day for that! Thanks Wendy for stopping by!

  19. I’m making these as soon as I hit the enter button! Thank you!

  20. Coffee and cake? Every day? I need to go to Germany… The cookies look scrumptious!

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