Looking for a festive and flavorful addition to your holiday baking? These Lebkuchen (German spice cookies) are the perfect treat! With warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, combined with a rich honey sweetness and a deliciously tender texture, these cookies are a holiday classic. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or simply enjoying seasonal flavors, Lebkuchen brings the magic of German holiday traditions to your kitchen. Read on for a step-by-step guide to make these irresistible treats!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts
1/4 cup chopped candied orange or lemon peel
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons water or lemon juice
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. This will create the perfect spice blend for your cookies.
In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey and brown sugar over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey mixture with the egg, and gradually add the dry ingredients. Once combined, fold in the chopped almonds or hazelnuts and the candied peel. The dough will be sticky, so cover it and chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you have time). Chilling the dough is key for the best texture.
Shape and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Once your dough is chilled, roll it into 1 1/2-inch balls and space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze the Cookies:
For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of water or lemon juice until smooth. Once the cookies have cooled, brush the glaze over them and let it set before serving. The glaze adds a lovely shine and a subtle sweetness to the cookies.
Serving Tips:
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Lebkuchen cookies make a great addition to your Christmas cookie trays, and they pair wonderfully with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or mulled wine.
Gift-Worthy: Pack them in decorative tins or boxes to give as holiday gifts. The sweet, festive flavors make them a thoughtful treat for friends and family.
Serve with Seasonal Delights: These cookies go well with other traditional holiday treats, such as gingerbread, fruitcake, or a warm slice of stollen.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store Lebkuchen cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps preserve their freshness and flavor.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy them longer, freeze the cookies! Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Avoid Humidity: To keep the cookies from becoming too soft or losing their texture, store them in a cool, dry place. Humidity can make the glaze lose its firmness.
Glaze: If you plan to store them for a longer period, you may choose to glaze them just before serving, as this will ensure the glaze stays fresh and doesn’t soften too much over time.
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FAQs:
Can I make Lebkuchen dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before baking. Chilling the dough overnight is actually recommended for the best texture and flavor. If you want to make it even further ahead, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.
What can I use if I don’t have candied peel?
If you don’t have candied orange or lemon peel, you can omit it from the recipe or substitute it with finely chopped dried fruit like apricots, raisins, or even cranberries for a fruity twist. Alternatively, a small amount of orange zest can be used to add a hint of citrus flavor.
Can I skip the glaze on Lebkuchen cookies?
While the glaze adds a sweet and shiny finish to the cookies, you can skip it if you prefer a more traditional, less sweet version. The cookies are still delicious without the glaze, especially if you enjoy the rich spiced flavor of the dough itself.
How do I know when the Lebkuchen cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown, and they should have a firm, slightly crisp texture around the edges. If you press lightly on the center of a cookie, it should feel set but soft. Be careful not to over-bake, as these cookies are meant to be tender.
Conclusion:
These Lebkuchen cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of holiday flavors and German tradition. The combination of warm spices, honey, and a sweet glaze makes them the perfect gift or addition to any holiday cookie tray. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just to enjoy a taste of Germany, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite.
Happy baking, and frohe Weihnachten (Merry Christmas)! 🎄🍪
📖 Recipe:
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Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)
- Total Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) are traditional holiday treats bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. With a rich honey sweetness and a soft, tender texture, these cookies are perfect for Christmas baking. Glazed with a simple powdered sugar coating, they are both festive and delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or gifting them, these German spice cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts
1/4 cup chopped candied orange or lemon peel
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons water or lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey and brown sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey mixture with the egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients, followed by the chopped nuts and candied peel. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each slightly with your fingers.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of water or lemon juice until smooth. Brush the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential to achieve the right texture.
Feel free to substitute candied peel with dried fruit or zest for a different twist.
For a lighter glaze, use lemon juice instead of water.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies Holiday Baking Christmas Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
