Description
Indulge in the warm, spiced flavors of traditional German Lebkuchen, a must-have for the holiday season. These soft, aromatic spice cookies are a delightful treat for Christmas or any time you crave a taste of Germany.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Optional Topping:
- powdered sugar or chocolate glaze
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, and butter. Heat over low until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, baking soda, salt, and all spices. Stir in the cooled honey mixture, egg, and lemon zest if using. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into small balls or flatten slightly for a more traditional shape, and place on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar or dip in chocolate glaze if desired.
Notes
- Lebkuchen dough improves with time—feel free to refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
- These cookies store well and often taste better after a day or two.
- Perfect for holiday gifting or traditional German Christmas celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
