Description
Lebkuchen are traditional German spice cookies, perfect for the holiday season. These soft, flavorful cookies are made with warm spices, honey, nuts, and candied citrus peel, then glazed with a sweet icing. They offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped candied orange or lemon peel
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons water or lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Heat Honey and Sugar: In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey and brown sugar over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooled honey and sugar mixture with the egg. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, stirring in the chopped almonds or hazelnuts and the candied orange or lemon peel. Stir thoroughly until a sticky dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the dough firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1 1/2-inch diameter balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart, and gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers to shape the cookies.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden color.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water or lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, brush the glaze evenly over each one. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can substitute hazelnuts for almonds or use any nut of your choice for a different flavor.
- Chilling the dough overnight enhances the flavor and makes it easier to shape.
- For a thicker glaze, use less liquid; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more.
- Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze unglazed dough balls for up to 3 months and bake when ready, then glaze.
