Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic German Flavor – These cookies capture the traditional taste of German Christmas markets.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a great recipe for all skill levels.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be chilled overnight, and the cookies develop even better flavor after a few days.
- Festive and Gift-Worthy – Their warm spices and beautiful glaze make them perfect for holiday gifts or cookie exchanges.
- Customizable – You can add chocolate, extra nuts, or different spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a saucepan, gently heat the honey and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the honey mixture with the egg. Add the flour mixture, nuts, and candied peel, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Flatten each slightly with your fingers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with water or lemon juice until smooth. Brush the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Baking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped Lebkuchen – After glazing, dip the bottom of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for extra richness.
- Spice Blend Swap – Use a pre-made Lebkuchengewürz (German gingerbread spice mix) instead of individual spices.
- Nut-Free Option – Omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.
- Extra Citrus Flavor – Add some orange zest to the dough for a brighter taste.
- Chewy or Crunchy – Bake a little longer for a firmer texture, or store in an airtight container for a softer bite.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The flavors develop over time, making them even tastier after a few days.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months in a sealed bag. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer them warm, microwave for a few seconds before serving.
FAQs
What is the difference between Lebkuchen and gingerbread?
Lebkuchen is softer, chewier, and often contains honey and nuts, whereas gingerbread is typically crisper with a stronger molasses flavor.
Can I make Lebkuchen without chilling the dough?
Chilling is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to handle. Skipping this step may result in sticky dough and less developed flavors.
Can I use molasses instead of honey?
Yes, but it will alter the flavor and make the cookies darker. Honey provides the traditional taste of Lebkuchen.
How do I make these cookies last longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually improve in flavor after a few days.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use maple syrup instead of honey.
What can I use instead of candied orange peel?
Try finely chopped dried apricots or raisins for a different twist.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the cookies may be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.
Why did my cookies turn out dry?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set and lightly golden.
Can I make these into a bar version?
Yes! Press the dough into a lined baking dish, bake for 15-18 minutes, then glaze and cut into squares.
What is Lebkuchengewürz?
It’s a German spice blend used in Lebkuchen, typically containing cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, coriander, and cardamom.
Conclusion
Lebkuchen is a must-try holiday cookie that brings warm, spiced flavors to your festive baking. Whether you enjoy them fresh or after a few days of maturing, these German spice cookies are a delightful treat with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Try making a batch this holiday season and share the magic of traditional German Christmas baking!
Print
Lebkuchen
- Total Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lebkuchen, also known as German spice cookies, are a beloved holiday treat with warm spices, honey, and nuts. These soft, chewy cookies are a Christmas market favorite, featuring flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, finished with a light glaze. Perfect for festive gatherings or gifting, this traditional Lebkuchen recipe is easy to make and gets even better with time.
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
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat honey and brown sugar until dissolved. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix honey mixture with the egg. Stir in dry ingredients, nuts, and candied peel until a sticky dough forms. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, place 2 inches apart on baking sheets, and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with water or lemon juice. Brush over cooled cookies and let set.
Notes
- Chilling the dough enhances flavor and makes handling easier.
- For extra richness, dip glazed cookies in melted dark chocolate.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
