Discover how to make authentic Lebkuchen, the chewy, spiced German Christmas cookies with a zesty lemon glaze. Perfect for holiday trays and cookie exchanges!
When it comes to the holiday season, nothing quite captures the magic of Christmas like a tray of warm, spiced cookies. Lebkuchen, also known as German Spice Cookies, are a cherished treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. These soft, chewy cookies are a delightful variation of gingerbread, infused with rich spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, then topped with a refreshing lemon glaze. If you’ve never tried Lebkuchen before, get ready to fall in love with their unique texture and festive flavor.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these traditional German cookies from scratch. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake some Lebkuchen together!
Why You’ll Love Lebkuchen
- Chewy, Not Crunchy: Unlike traditional gingerbread cookies, Lebkuchen are delightfully soft and chewy, thanks to the perfect blend of spices and honey.
- Perfect for the Holidays: The warm, winter spices and the refreshing citrus glaze make these cookies a holiday favorite that will quickly disappear at your next gathering.
- Customizable: You can dip these cookies in chocolate for an extra touch of decadence or enjoy them as they are, glazed with a tangy lemon icing.
- A Little Taste of Germany: Bring a piece of German Christmas tradition into your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry—most of these are pantry staples, with just a few specialty items like ground almonds. Let’s get started!
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup ground almonds (can be found in most stores)
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon rum (optional)
Optional for chocolate lovers:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (for dipping)
How to Make Lebkuchen
Ready to get baking? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these festive cookies from scratch.
Step 1: Melt the Honey and Sugar
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey and brown sugar. Heat them together in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds until the sugar is melted. Stir in the unsalted butter and lemon zest, and mix until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Once the honey-butter mixture is smooth, add the egg, spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the flour and ground almonds. Keep mixing until you form a sticky dough. If the dough feels too thick, add a little lemon juice to help bring it together.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rest
Once your dough is ready, spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then form the dough into a ball. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better for deeper flavor!
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the dough is resting, mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and rum (if using) in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once the dough has rested, divide it into thirds. Roll each portion out on a floured surface to about 3/4 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the cookies have cooled, generously drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each cookie. For a special twist, melt dark chocolate chips and dip the cookies into the chocolate, then let them cool again on the rack.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lebkuchen
- Resting Time Is Key: The dough needs time to rest in order to develop its flavors and achieve that perfect chewy texture. Be patient, and let it rest for at least an hour—or even overnight if you can!
- Adjust the Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak the spice measurements to suit your preferences. Add more cinnamon for warmth or a little extra ginger for a zesty kick.
- Make Ahead: These cookies store well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them all holiday season.
FAQ
Can I make Lebkuchen without ground almonds?
Yes! If you don’t have ground almonds, you can substitute them with finely ground oats or even leave them out entirely. The cookies will still be delicious!
How do I store Lebkuchen?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months, so you can bake them ahead of time for holiday gifting or parties.
Can I use a different glaze?
Of course! While the lemon glaze is traditional, you can also experiment with an orange glaze, powdered sugar dusting, or even a chocolate glaze if you prefer.
Substitutions
- Honey Substitute: If you prefer not to use honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be a great alternative.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free twist, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Option: To make these cookies vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg.
Share the Love!
Now that you’ve made these delicious German Lebkuchen, it’s time to share them with friends and family! Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your creations with us on social media. Tag us using #LebkuchenLove, and we’ll be sure to see your holiday magic in the making!
Happy baking, and enjoy your festive treats!