Ellis County Historical Society
The Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) is bringing back a beloved favorite just in time for the holidays — Spitzbuben, the delicate, jam-filled sandwich cookie that has become a sweet symbol of our Volga German heritage.
Following a complete sellout during Oktoberfest, ECHS is excited to announce that Spitzbuben will now be available for holiday purchase, freshly baked and boxed by the dozen.
New this season, the Society is partnering with Hays High School’s Culinary Classes, taught by Nicole Linenberger, to help with the baking.
“This partnership gives us a wonderful opportunity to share a treasured Volga German baking tradition with our youth,” said Amanda Rupp, executive director of ECHS. “By involving the students, we’re not only continuing the tradition — we’re passing it on.”
Each batch of Spitzbuben features the signature buttery shortbread dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a variety of fruit jam. ECHS uses homemade jams from Gwen Urban of Oma’s Farmhouse Baked Goods, Grainfield. Customers can choose from MIX boxes (four Blueberry, four Peach, four Strawberry) or single-flavor boxes of twelve Strawberry Rhubarb cookies. These cookies freeze well for weeks and weeks and can be taken out as needed (or wanted!).
Spitzbuben will be available by the dozen for $20 (cash or check only) and can be purchased in person at the ECHS office at 7th & Main Street in Hays.
Pickup times are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:
November 17–19 and November 24–26.
If any remain, ECHS will offer the boxes at their booth during the Downtown Hays Christmas Tree Lighting on November 29.
“These ‘naughty boys,’ as the name translates, always sell out fast,” Rupp added. “We encourage everyone to grab a box early, enjoy a taste of tradition, and support our mission to keep Ellis County’s heritage alive.”