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Lebkuchen Cookies Recipe

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Lebkuchen Cookies are traditional German spiced Christmas cookies known for their soft, chewy texture and warming blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These cookies are sweetened with honey and brown sugar, enriched with ground almonds, and finished with a glossy lemon and vanilla glaze. Perfectly festive and flavorful, they make an ideal holiday treat or gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • ½ cup (170 g) honey
  • 1 cup (200 g) dark soft brown sugar (Muscovado sugar)
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
  • ⅛ tsp white pepper (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose (plain) flour
  • 1 cup (100 g) ground almonds (almond flour)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (use only if the dough is a bit dry)
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil (for greasing the bowl)

Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp rum (optional)

Decoration

  • Sprinkles or sanding sugar
  • Flaked almonds
  • Orange peel strips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the honey and sugar mixture: Measure the honey and dark brown sugar into a mixing bowl and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring vigorously between bursts, until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add butter and zest: Add the cubed unsalted butter, orange zest, and lemon zest to the warm honey mixture and stir until the butter fully melts, creating a smooth syrup.
  3. Mix in leavening and spices: Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, ground cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, white pepper (if using), and beaten egg until fully combined.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and ground almonds into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add up to 1 tablespoon of lemon juice as needed.
  5. Rest the dough: Lightly oil a spatula or your hands and gather the dough into a ball. Cover the mixing bowl with a towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for at least one hour or preferably overnight to develop flavors.
  6. Preheat oven and prepare glaze: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and rum (if using) to make a thin, runny glaze, stirring until smooth.
  7. Shape the cookies: Divide the rested dough into thirds. On a silicone baking mat, roll out one portion to about 2 cm (just under an inch) thickness. Use round, star, or heart cookie cutters to cut shapes.
  8. Bake the cookies: Place cut cookies spaced apart on the silicone mat and bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes until set. Repeat rolling and cutting with remaining dough, gathering scraps to re-roll and bake in batches.
  9. Glaze the cookies: While cookies are still slightly warm, transfer them carefully to a wire rack and brush the tops with the prepared glaze. Allow the glaze to dry and apply a second coat if desired.
  10. Decorate and store: Add sprinkles, sanding sugar, or flaked almonds for decoration as desired. Store the cookies separated by parchment paper in a cake tin with a few strips of orange peel to enhance flavor. Lebkuchen cookies improve in taste over time, making them excellent for gifting.

Notes

  • Resting the dough overnight enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
  • If the dough is dry, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to achieve the right consistency.
  • You can cover the lebkuchen with melted chocolate for a richer finish.
  • Use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  • Storing with orange peel strips adds a subtle citrus aroma to the baked cookies.

Keywords: Lebkuchen, German cookies, Christmas cookies, spiced cookies, holiday baking, traditional lebkuchen

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/lebkuchen-cookies-recipe/