German Lebkuchen are traditional spiced cookies that date back to medieval times, commonly enjoyed throughout the Christmas season in Germany. These sweet, slightly chewy cookies are known for their rich blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, which are combined with honey and sometimes molasses to create a deep, warm flavor. Often compared to gingerbread, Lebkuchen are distinguished by the addition of ground almonds or nuts, which contribute to their unique texture. Lebkuchen can be simple or elaborately decorated with almonds, glazed with sugar, or covered in a thin layer of dark chocolate. They are a staple at German Christmas markets, where they’re hung as decorations or given as heartfelt gifts.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup candied citrus peel, finely chopped
- Optional for decoration: whole almonds, melted dark chocolate, or powdered sugar glaze
Directions:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, almond meal, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, molasses, and brown sugar. Cook, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture just begins to boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the warm honey mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the egg, lemon zest, and candied citrus peel. Stir until well combined. The dough will be very sticky.
- Chill the dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to firm up and allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the oven and shape the cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once chilled, scoop the dough into balls about the size of a walnut and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Lebkuchen:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are just set but still soft in the center. They should not brown too much.
- Cool and decorate:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate with whole almonds, drizzle with melted dark chocolate, or brush with a powdered sugar glaze if desired.
German Lebkuchen cookies are deliciously aromatic and festive, capturing the essence of the holiday season with their spiced, honeyed sweetness. These cookies are perfect for sharing and can be stored in an airtight container, where they will soften and their flavors will develop even further over a few days, making them even more irresistible.
