Description
Lebkuchen are soft and chewy German spice cookies, flavored with honey, warm spices, and a touch of citrus. Often topped with a sugar glaze or chocolate, they are a festive treat perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup (60g) finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating (Optional):
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the honey, brown sugar, and butter over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the cooled honey mixture, stirring until combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing until a dough forms.
- Stir in the orange zest and chopped nuts. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and flatten slightly to form discs. Place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add the Glaze or Chocolate Coating (Optional):
- For the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Brush the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set.
- For the Chocolate Coating: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip the tops of the cookies in the chocolate, then let them set on parchment paper.
Notes
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; their flavor improves over time.
- For a more traditional touch, place the dough on edible rice paper before baking.
- Adjust the spice blend to your taste or add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.