Bethmännchen are German marzipan pastries made with almonds and traditionally associated with Frankfurt.
Each small confection is formed from marzipan, usually decorated with three almond halves, and baked until lightly browned. The almonds are a defining visual feature and distinguish Bethmännchen from many other marzipan sweets.
The name is connected with the Bethmann family of Frankfurt. A widely repeated account says the confection was created in the nineteenth century for the family by the French chef Jean-Jacques Gautenier, although details of the origin story are presented differently in some retellings.
Bethmännchen are particularly popular during Advent and Christmas. They are often confused with Frankfurt’s Frankfurter Kranz, but that is a large layered cake with buttercream, jam, and brittle rather than a small marzipan pastry.