Is the Iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Schneeball Worth Trying?
Are you wondering if Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s iconic treats are worth a try? We can definitely help you!
Our family has visited Rothenburg several times, and we have sampled quite a few versions of this local treat.
Known as a Schneeball (or Schneeballen), the town is home to several shops that sell this buttery pastry.
But are they worth the hype?
Let’s dive in to find out!
Are Schneeballen Worth Trying?
We are definitely foodies. So we go out of our way to try local specialties whenever possible.
And the unanimous decision in our family was “YES”. Schneeballen are definitely worth a try.
Schneeballen are crispy, not too sweet, and come in a range of flavours.
What is a Schneeball Anyway?
A “Schneeball” (which translates to “snowball” in English) is a traditional German pastry that is especially famous in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
It has a distinctive round shape that looks like a snowball, hence the name.
The pastry is made from shortcrust dough, which is rolled out, cut into strips, and then formed into a ball shape.
This ball is then deep-fried until it’s crispy and golden brown, and is either dusted with powdered sugar or covered in chocolate.
Over the years, these pretty little desserts have become more and more popular.
Today, they are considered a key part of the townโs identity, attracting tourists who want to try this iconic sweet.
History of Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Schneeballen
Schneeballen have actually been around for over 300 years. They actually originate from the Franconian region of Germany.
Originally, Schneeballen were made for special celebrations like weddings and festivals.
But today, they’ve become a year-round treat for both locals and visitors.
The earliest recipes from the 18th century were simple, using basic ingredients that were easy to find.
How Are Schneeballen Made?
Schneeballen are made by first preparing a dough similar to shortcrust pastry. This typically includes flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a pinch of salt.
The dough is then rolled out flat and cut into thin strips. This is often done with a fluted pastry wheel to make them look nice.
These strips are then carefully arranged and shaped into a ball, traditionally by wrapping them around a special wooden stick or form.
The ball of dough is then deep-fried in oil until it turns golden and crispy.
There is even a special kitchen tool that is used to help the Schneeball keep its shape. Called a Schneeballeneisen, the tool resembles a giant meatballer!
Finally, the schneeballen are removed from the fryer, cooled slightly, and typically dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
What Flavours of Schneeballen Can Be Found in Rothenburg Today?
Over time, schneeballen have evolved. While the classic powdered sugar version is still popular, now there are new types like those covered in chocolate, nuts, or filled with fruit.
The colourful displays of the chocolate-covered Schneeballen are what initially drew us into all the shops.
A few of the varieties we found (and even tried!) include:
What Does a Schneeball Taste Like?
If you purchase the traditional version, it tastes like a flaky, buttery pastry dusted in powdered sugar. They are not too sweet, which is what we love about them.
If you have ever tried the Italian Crostoli or Polish Chrusciki, the texture is very similar.
The modern versions that are covered in chocolate or marzipan are a little different.
The top layer is very sweet and crunchy. The inner layers remain plain unless they are filled with fruit compote.
But just a heads up, Schneeballen are very crumbly and difficult to eat without making a huge mess!
How Long Do Schneeballen Last?
Schneeballen are known for their relatively long shelf life compared to other pastries.
More similar to cookies, Schneeballen can last for about 6 to 8 weeks without refrigeration if they are stored properly.
To keep them fresh, you will need to keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
They should be stored in an airtight container to maintain their crispness and prevent them from absorbing moisture, which can make them soft.
This long shelf-life makes Schneeballen popular for tourists wanting to take a taste of Rothenburg ob der Tauber back home.
In fact, many shops in Rothenburg offer beautifully wrapped schneeballen, making them the perfect souvenirs or gifts.
Where to Find the Best Schneeballen in Rothenburg
You will find several shops in Rothenburg that specialize in this local delicacy. Some of the top spots include:
While we have tried all three of these bakeries, our favourite was Bรคckerei Striffler.
We purchased the traditional powdered sugar Schneeballen from here, and they were very fresh tasting.
The chocolate-covered Scneeballen were then purchased from the other two shops where we didn’t notice too much of a difference in flavour or quality.
Both had similar offerings, and the chocolate coatings were quite good.
While we honestly were not looking for them, you will also find Schneeballen in select bakeries across Germany.
We noticed them being sold in the Frankfurt Christmas Markets, as well as a few other markets in Germany.
Did the Schneeballen Live Up to the Hype?
Not really.
We didn’t find them to be anything special. In fact, I found them to be quite dry, and very, VERY, messy to eat.
To be fair, the traditional version was quite good. And if you are looking to try them for the first time, I would suggest going with these.
The coated versions were over-the-top sweet. And once you got past the coating, the insides were a little too dry.
We bought several on our last trip and found it difficult to finish just one among the four of us.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Schneeball – Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has given you a tasty peek into the world of schneeballen.
So when you visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, not only will you have all the background knowledge on these iconic treats, but you will also know exactly where to find them.
And if you do decide to try them, which you really should, you will know what to expect and have plenty of napkins at the ready!
Pin This Post for Later!
Related Posts:
- Is Rothenburg Worth Visiting?
- Is the Iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Schneeball Worth Trying?
- 21 Popular Things to Do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Best Itinerary for One Day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
