Lebkuchen Cookies
Transport your taste buds to the enchanting Christmas markets of Germany with these classic Lebkuchen Cookies, an irresistible treat infused with warm spices and rich, nutty flavors. Crafted with a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, complemented by ground almonds and a touch of fresh orange zest, these soft and chewy cookies capture the essence of the holiday season. A glossy lemon-scented glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, balancing the sweetness with a citrusy zing. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea, these easy-to-make cookies can be prepared ahead of time, with their flavors deepening as they rest. Whether you’re baking for family celebrations or creating holiday traditions, these traditional German cookies are a festive must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup ground almonds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.75 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cup honey
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed, room temperature)
- 1 unit large egg
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and add the butter. Stir until the butter melts completely. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Transfer the cooled honey mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the egg and orange zest, and beat until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into desired shapes (traditional Lebkuchen shapes include circles, hearts, or stars). Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, brush the glaze over the surface of each cookie using a pastry brush or drizzle the glaze decoratively over the tops. Let the glaze set before serving or storing.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will deepen over time, making them even more delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
147 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.1 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 13 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 65 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.0 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.3 g | ||
| Protein | 2.4 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 19 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 55 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
