Lebkuchen German Christmas Honey Cookies
Infuse your holiday season with the warm, spiced aromas of Lebkuchen, the classic German Christmas honey cookies. This traditional recipe combines golden honey, ground almonds, and a medley of festive spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to create delicately soft, fragrant cookies bursting with holiday cheer. Featuring a simple honey-butter blend and an overnight chill for maximum flavor, these cookies are glazed to perfection with a light powdered sugar icing that adds a touch of sweetness and shine. Perfect for gifting or serving at your holiday gatherings, these timeless treats only get better with age, making them an irresistible addition to your Christmas baking repertoire. Whether you’re a fan of comforting spices or simply seeking a heartwarming dessert, this Lebkuchen recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Honey
- 100 grams Granulated sugar
- 100 grams Unsalted butter
- 375 grams All-purpose flour
- 100 grams Ground almonds
- 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 whole Zest of 1 lemon
- 150 grams Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and baking powder.
Add the cooled honey mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until partially combined.
Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then add them along with the lemon zest to the dough mixture. Mix well until a soft, sticky dough forms.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using lightly floured hands, roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will still be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and water until smooth.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, brush the glaze over the tops using a pastry brush or dip the tops into the glaze. Let the glaze set before serving or storing.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The flavor deepens with time, making them even more delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4584 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 149.5 g | 192% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.6 g | 288% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 593 mg | 198% | |
| Sodium | 1085 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 776.6 g | 282% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.3 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 457.8 g | ||
| Protein | 74.9 g | 150% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 490 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 25.0 mg | 139% | |
| Potassium | 1464 mg | 31% | |
*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.
