Print

Irresistible German Lebkuchen Recipe Easy Classic Spiced Cookies to Bake

German Lebkuchen recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A classic German spiced cookie recipe featuring warm spices, honey, and almonds, perfect for holiday baking with a soft yet chewy texture and a lightly glazed top.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey (mild, floral like clover recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100 g) ground almonds
  • 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
  • 2 tsp (4 g) ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp (2 g) ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp (2 g) ground ginger
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped almonds, optional for topping
  • For the glaze: 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar mixed with 2 tbsp (30 ml) water or lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together 1/4 cup (56 g) softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey, and 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (100 g) ground almonds, 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder, 2 tsp (4 g) cinnamon, 1 tsp (2 g) cloves, 1/2 tsp (1 g) nutmeg, and 1 tsp (2 g) ginger. Add zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until a thick, sticky dough forms. Add a teaspoon of water or milk if too dry.
  6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to let flavors meld and firm up the dough.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Optionally press chopped almonds on top.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are slightly firm but centers remain soft.
  9. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack. While still warm, brush or drizzle with the powdered sugar glaze.
  10. Allow glaze to harden completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial for flavor and handling. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Glaze while cookies are warm for a shiny finish. Dough can be mixed by hand if no mixer is available. For vegan option, replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix.

Nutrition

Keywords: German Lebkuchen, spiced cookies, holiday cookies, gingerbread, honey cookies, almond cookies, Christmas baking

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/irresistible-german-lebkuchen-recipe-easy-classic-spiced-cookies-to-bake/