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Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)

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  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: German

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/lebkuchen-german-spice-cookies/