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
