Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
beaten
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp rum
optional
Directions
- 1
In a glass bowl, mix the honey and sugar and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir together well until sugar dissolves (heat another 15-30 seconds if needed).
- 2
Immediately add the butter and lemon zest and stir until the butter melts.
- 3
Stir in the baking powder, soda, salt and spices and egg.
- 4
Add the flour and ground almonds. Mix until you have a soft and slightly sticky dough, adding a little lemon juice as needed. Be careful not to add too much because you will be rolling the dough, just enough to where it's not dry.
- 5
Spray your hands with cooking spray and gather the dough into a ball.
- 6
Cover the mixing bowl with a towel and leave to rest for at least an hour or even overnight at room temperature.
- 7
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile prepare the glaze.
- 8
Mix together all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until you have a thin glaze.
- 9
Divide the dough into thirds. Roll the dough on a silicone baking mat to 3/4 of an inch thickness to right under 1 inch.
- 10
Cut out circles using a cookie cutter.
- 11
Space the cookies out on the silicone mat and bake for 12 minutes.
- 12
Repeat with remaining dough, gathering up any scraps and rolling out again and bake in batches.
- 13
Transfer the cookies carefully to a wire rack and brush with the glaze while they are still a little warm using a pastry brush.
- 14
Allow the glaze to dry and add a second layer (if desired). Check the recipe notes if you want to cover or dip the Lebkuchen in chocolate.
Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)
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About this Recipe
Get ready to infuse your home with the warm, inviting aromas of the holidays! These homemade Lebkuchen, or German Spice Cookies, are a true festive delight, delivering authentic seasonal flavors right to your kitchen. What makes these Lebkuchen truly special is their rich, from-scratch preparation. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of traditional spices and the delightful chewiness of ground almonds, creating a gingerbread experience that's consistently a holiday favorite. Their characteristic glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish, making them irresistible on any Christmas cookie tray. Prepare your senses for a delicious journey, as these Lebkuchen offer a truly memorable taste of the holidays. You'll savor a complex medley of traditional spices—cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg—each contributing to a deep, aromatic profile. This spice blend is beautifully balanced with the bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon, which cuts through the richness and adds a delightful brightness. The cookies themselves boast a soft, tender crumb, thanks to the combination of honey and ground almonds, offering a satisfying chew that makes each bite substantial and enjoyable. Every cookie is crowned with a glossy, tangy lemon glaze, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of pucker that makes them utterly addictive and a standout on any festive table. While traditional Lebkuchen are perfect as-is, you have a small option for personalizing the flavor. You can include a touch of rum in the glaze for an added layer of warmth and complexity, or simply omit it if you prefer. These glazed German gingerbread cookies are the quintessential addition to any festive occasion. Arrange them proudly on your Christmas cookie tray, serve them with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or share them as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.