German Lucky Pig Breads

Over in our part of Europe, after Christmas, edible lucky pigs are everywhere. Pig-shaped bread, chocolates, cakes, and marzipan clutter the markets and bakery windows. Pigs in non-edible forms, such as statues, piggy banks, paper napkins, and decorative table accessories, are also on display. These German Lucky Pig Breads with Plum Jam Filling is a nod to that tradition.

For centuries in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe, possessing large numbers of pigs was a sign of wealth. In Germany, nothing says “good luck” quite like a pig. Yes, you read that right. The German Lucky Pig, or Glücksschwein, is a charming little tradition where pink pig-shaped sweets, marzipan treats, or even tiny figurines are given at New Year’s for good fortune.

HOMEMADE LUCKY MARZIPAN PIGS

Why a pig?

Because pigs once symbolized wealth and a full belly—basically the medieval version of a savings account. Today, these cheerful pigs pop up in bakeries, markets, and gift shops, making it nearly impossible not to smile. Moreover, they’re Instagram gold. So, if you want to start the year with prosperity, sweetness, and maybe a few laughs, embrace the German Lucky Pig tradition. After all, who wouldn’t want their luck served with a snout and a curly tail?

If you are planning your New Year’s holiday menu, consider adding traditional lucky pigs to the list.

This year, I’m continuing the tradition by creating these German Lucky Pig Breads, a fun addition to any New Year’s party or dinner. Kids will love them as well.

I filled each of these with plum jam; however, use any flavor you wish. Now might be a good time to use up that odd jar of jam or marmalade that’s been hanging out in your pantry.

I used the following-sized round cookie cutters to create the shapes to make the pigs: 4 inch round, 1+1/2 inch round, and a 1/2 inch round. The triangle ears I cut freehand with a small, sharp knife.

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German Lucky Pig Bread with Plum Jam Filling

Course Dessert

Cuisine German

Keyword Jam Filled Breads, Lucky Pig Pastries, Lucky pig tradition, Lucky recipes, new year's recipes

Prep Time 45 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Rise Time: 1 hour

Servings 6

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

• 3+1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup lukewarm whole milk
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons jam preserve, or jelly, flavor of your choice (I used plum)
• Raisins or dried currants for eyes and nostrils

Instructions

1. Beat the egg and pure vanilla extract together in a small bowl.
2. Whisk together the all-purpose flour and white granulated sugar in a bowl.
3. Make an impression in the middle of the dry ingredients mixture and add the lukewarm milk.
4. Add the yeast to the milk. When the yeast dissolves, add the egg and vanilla mixture and the soft unsalted butter.
5. Knead everything together into a dough.
6. Cover the bowl with a dishcloth and let it stand in a warm place for 30 minutes.
7. Uncover the dough and knead for a few minutes in the bowl.
8. Cover the bowl once more and let the dough rest in a warm place for another 30 minutes.
9. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Roll out the dough and cut twelve 4-inch circles out of the dough.
10. Then cut six 1+1/2 inch in diameter circles, twelve 3/4 inch half moons, and twelve 1/2 inch triangles.
11. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
12. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
13. Lay 6 of the four-inch circles on the baking paper.
14. Lightly beat the egg yolks together in a small bowl.
15. Brush the 6 circles with egg yolk.
16. Affix the triangles to the top for ears.
17. Place 1 tablespoon of the jam flavor of your choice in the middle of each circle and spread it around, leaving a small frame with no jam.
18. Place large circles on top of the jam and gently press the sides together until the seams disappear.
19. Place the smaller circles on for the snouts and the half moons above the snouts for the eyes.
20. On each pig, press two raisins into the small circle for nostrils and two into the half-moon eyes for pupils.
21. For the egg wash, brush the remaining beaten egg yolks over the bread.
22. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
23. Remove from oven, let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

So, do you like these German Lucky Pig Breads? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:

LUCKY PIG MARZIPAN CHAMPAGNE TORTE

NEW YEAR’S LUCKY PIG MERINGUES