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Discover the Magic of German Gingerbread Cookies

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Donna Urso

The holiday season is the perfect time to explore new traditions, especially ones that bring something sweet to the table. If you're looking for a unique cookie, Lebkuchen might be the perfect choice. 

This traditional German treat is a festive favorite, combining warm spices, nutty flavors, and a hint of citrus. Perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones, Lebkuchen will add a touch of Old World charm to your Christmas cookie lineup.

A white plate of frosted Germain gingerbread cookies called Lebkuchen.

Lebkuchen, or German gingerbread, is a beloved holiday treat in Germany and other parts of Europe. These spiced cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for the Christmas season. With their warm spices and chewy texture, Lebkuchen is sure to become a new favorite in your household. 

Why You'll Love These German Gingerbread Cookies

1. A Unique Flavor Profile: Unlike your typical gingerbread cookies, Lebkuchen features a mix of honey, nuts, and a medley of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. creating a cozy and comforting flavor profile.  The addition of orange or lemon zest gives them a bright and aromatic twist.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture: Forget the crunchy gingerbread houses! Lebkuchen is known for its tender, cake-like consistency, making every bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

3. Easy to Personalize: Whether you prefer a sugar glaze or a decadent chocolate coating, there’s plenty of room to make these cookies your own.

4. Long Shelf Life: Thanks to ingredients like honey, Lebkuchen stays fresh for weeks, making them ideal for holiday baking and gifting.

 Tips for Cookie Success

Choose Quality Ingredients: Since Lebkuchen relies on spices and honey for its flavor, opt for high-quality honey and fresh spices for the best results.

Plan Ahead: The dough benefits from resting overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together. The rest makes the dough easier to work with, too. Trust me! It’s worth the wait!

Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies to ensure they stay soft. A light golden brown color is your cue to take them out of the oven.

Glaze or Frost: For an extra festive touch, glaze or frost your Lebkuchen with a simple sugar glaze or dark melted chocolate.

How to Make German Gingerbread Cookies


It takes a little planning to make these cookies.  First, you will make a sugar mixture that will require time to cool.  Then your cookie dough needs to rest.  You'll want to allow a minimum of 2 hours rest but overnight is best.

You'll find recipes that call for using ground almonds.  I have substituted almond flour for ease and accessibility. If you use ground almonds you may find a difference in the dough's consistency.

A cookie scoop is essential.  The dough is sticky and can be hard to work with.  You may want to keep a bowl of warm water handy to rinse your cookie scoop.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the origin of Lebkuchen?

Lebkuchen dates back to medieval Germany, where monks first crafted these spiced treats as a celebratory holiday dessert. Today, they’re a staple at Christmas markets across Germany.

2. Can I make Lebkuchen without nuts?

Yes! While nuts like almonds and hazelnuts are traditional, you can substitute sunflower seeds or oats for a nut-free version.

3. How should I store Lebkuchen?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for several weeks and even improve in flavor over time!

4. Can I freeze Lebkuchen dough? 

Yes, you can freeze the dough for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. 

This Christmas, take your cookie game to the next level by introducing your family and friends to Lebkuchen. With their delightful flavors and festive heritage, these German gingerbread cookies are sure to become a new holiday favorite!

German Gingerbread Recipe

German cookie recipe, gingerbread cookies, Lebkuchen
dessert
German
Yield: 30
Author: Donna Urso
German Gingerbread Cookies

German Gingerbread Cookies

Festive German gingerbread cookies made with warm spices, a hint of citrus, and a delightfully chewy texture.
Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 12 MinInactive time: 12 HourTotal time: 12 H & 42 M

Ingredients

Cookie Dough
Icing

Instructions

  1. Heat the honey, brown sugar, butter, and milk together in a pan on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground spices.
  3. Stir the vanilla and almond extract into the cooled sugar mixture.
  4. Place the 2 eggs into the bowl of your mixture and beat until frothy. Drizzle the cooled sugar mixture into the eggs.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix together by hand until well combined.
  6. Fold in the lemon zest, candied ginger, and candied fruit.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  8. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Line your baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Using a scoop, scoop portions of dough onto the cookie sheet leaving 2" between cookies.
  9. Bake cookies for approximately 12 minutes until starting to brown on the edges. Don't overbake.
  10. Let cookies cool on the pan for about 2 minutes for ease of transfer to a wire rack.
  11. When still warm, frost with icing.
Icing
  1. Mix the powdered sugar with milk or water, adding a teaspoon at a time until you have the consistency of honey.
  2. Spread on warm cookies.

Notes

Allow time for your sugar mixture to cool when preparing the cookie dough.

An overnight rest for the dough is preferred.

Use a cookie scoop to portion your cookies. The cookies will spread when baking. Don't crowd your pan.

These are not crisp cookies. You want a cake-like texture.

Recommended Products

Silicone Spatula Set

Silicone Baking Mats

USA Half Sheet Pans

Nutrition Facts

Calories

163

Fat (grams)

6 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

2 g

Carbs (grams)

27 g

Fiber (grams)

1 g

Net carbs

26 g

Sugar (grams)

20 g

Protein (grams)

2 g

Sodium (milligrams)

86 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

21 mg

Nutritional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

Date-Filled Cookies, An Old Fashioned Recipe

Thumbprint Christmas Cookies

Classic Italian Amaretti Cookies

©Just One Donna


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