A Classic Holiday Treat with Warm Spices, Nuts, and a Sweet Glaze
Bring a Taste of Germany to Your Kitchen with These Authentic and Delicious Lebkuchen Cookies
If you’re looking for a cozy, spiced cookie that captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season, then Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) are the perfect recipe to try. These traditional German cookies are packed with fragrant spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, sweetened with honey and brown sugar, and finished with a simple glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Often associated with German Christmas markets, Lebkuchen are a beloved staple in German holiday baking. With their chewy texture, nutty crunch, and rich flavors, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your own festive traditions. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or just to fill your home with the scent of Christmas, these spice cookies are a must-bake.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Kitchen Tools Required:
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Small brush (for glazing)
Yields: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Chilling Time: At least 2 hours (or overnight)
Baking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 37 minutes
Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per cookie
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped candied orange or lemon peel
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons water or lemon juice (for brightness and flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine:
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
These warm, aromatic spices are what give Lebkuchen their unmistakable holiday flavor. Set this mixture aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Base
In a saucepan, gently heat 3/4 cup honey and 1/2 cup brown sugar over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth—do not boil. Once dissolved, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (about 5 minutes). This warm base helps the dough blend easily.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1 large egg until slightly frothy. Slowly add in the cooled honey-brown sugar mixture, whisking to combine.
Gradually stir in the dry flour mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until a sticky dough begins to form. Fold in 1/4 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts and 1/4 cup chopped candied orange or lemon peel. These mix-ins give the cookies wonderful texture and subtle bursts of flavor.
Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to deepen and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough into balls about 1½ inches in diameter (roughly the size of a walnut). Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets, as they will spread slightly. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form discs.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set. Do not overbake—Lebkuchen should be soft and chewy in the center.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze the Cookies
While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water or lemon juice
The glaze should be smooth but not runny. Adjust the liquid amount as needed. Once the cookies are completely cool, use a brush to glaze the tops of the cookies. Allow the glaze to set for about 15–20 minutes before storing or serving.
Tips and Recommendations for Recipe Success
- Use high-quality honey: Since honey is one of the primary flavor sources, opt for a flavorful, pure honey—nothing artificial.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: The dough is sticky and needs time to firm up before shaping. Overnight chilling is ideal for deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip the glaze: It adds sweetness and a beautiful finish that balances the spiced cookie base.
- Customize with add-ins: You can substitute chopped walnuts or pistachios, or experiment with dried cranberries or raisins instead of candied citrus.
- Avoid overbaking: The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Soft centers are key to authentic Lebkuchen texture.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Ideas
Lebkuchen are traditionally served during the holidays, especially Christmas, but they’re delightful with:
- A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea
- Mulled wine or cider
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Holiday cookie trays or edible gift boxes
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature:
Store cooled and glazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The flavors often improve after a day or two.
Refrigerator:
Not necessary, but they can be stored chilled if your kitchen is warm.
Freezer:
Lebkuchen freeze well. Place them in layers between parchment paper in a sealed container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Lebkuchen without nuts?
Yes. Simply omit the nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch. The cookies will still be flavorful and chewy.
2. Can I skip the candied citrus peel?
While traditional, the candied peel can be left out or swapped with chopped dried fruit like apricots or cranberries if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
3. How can I make the cookies more decorative?
Before the glaze sets, sprinkle the cookies with crushed nuts, sanding sugar, or edible glitter. You can also use cookie stamps before baking for a festive touch.
4. Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to under-chilled dough or excess moisture. Make sure the dough is properly chilled, and avoid overmixing when combining ingredients.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the chewy texture.
Conclusion
Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies) are a festive, fragrant, and flavorful treat that brings old-world charm and holiday cheer into your kitchen. With a perfect blend of spices, honey, and nuts, finished with a sweet glaze, these cookies are both nostalgic and timeless. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or trying something new this season, baking Lebkuchen is a heartwarming and rewarding experience.
Their chewy texture and spiced aroma are perfect for cozy winter days, gifting, or simply savoring with a warm beverage. Once you’ve tried homemade Lebkuchen, you’ll find they quickly become a holiday staple in your recipe collection.
Ready to bake your way into holiday magic?
Try these Lebkuchen today and fill your kitchen with the warm scents of the season. Don’t forget to save the recipe and share with friends—they’re too good to keep to yourself.
