Description
Lebkuchen are traditional German spice cookies bursting with warm flavors of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. These chewy, honey-sweetened treats are studded with chopped nuts and candied citrus peel, then lightly glazed for a sweet finish. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a comforting spiced cookie with historic European roots.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
Add-ins
- 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 flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey and brown sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm honey and sugar mixture with the egg, beating thoroughly. Gradually add the dry spice and flour mixture, stirring continuously. Then fold in the chopped nuts and candied citrus peel until a sticky dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers to form discs.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze the Cookies: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar together with water or lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the cooled cookies with the glaze and allow it to fully set before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, refrigerate the dough overnight.
- Almonds or hazelnuts can be toasted for extra depth.
- Use fresh candied citrus peel for authentic traditional taste.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well before glazing; glaze after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
